Bio-energy muscle relaxants

ABSTRACT

Human muscle tissues involve striated and smooth muscles. Each muscle tissue possesses its own special function. Differences of physiology functions among the muscle tissues are mainly determined by their various initiation and signal transmission systems, defined as the pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism, or initiating and regulating mechanism. The current medications, drugs, and therapies for diseases and symptoms related abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contraction are aimed just at the pre-muscle molecular motor mechanisms, whereas without directly intending to effect on the muscle molecular motor mechanism i.e. the contractile apparatus mechanism at all, which, however, is in common for all kinds of muscle tissues. The muscle molecular motor mechanism mainly involves recycling of actin-myosin filament cross-bridge formation and sliding movement. In the process, bio-energy provided by ATP hydrolysis is necessarily required. Therefore, abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of muscle tissues under diseased conditions may be modified by inhibition of the muscle molecular motor with the actin-myosin ATPase inhibitor, which blocks hydrolysis of ATP, then reduces release of bio-energy for the muscle contraction.  
     Our studies in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated that BDM, an ATPase inhibitor, thereby, its analogues, derivatives, and other chemicals possessing similar effect on ATPase may be used as bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION HUMAN MUSCLE TISSUES

[0001] By the end of 2nd-3rd week of embryonic development, some cells of ectoderm proliferate inward become primitive streak, then cells of primitive streak start to rapidly grow and form mesoderm, from which human three main group muscle tissues are gradually differentiated and shaped up during the following months.

[0002] Skeletal Muscle

[0003] Skeletal muscle consists of muscle fibers, i.e. bundles of 1-40 mm long (up to 30 cm), cylindrical and multinucleated muscle cells with a diameter of 10-100 μm. The oval nuclei are usually found under the cell membrane. Skeletal muscles are mainly attached to skeletal bones to carry out rapid and forceful but discontinuous voluntary contraction for various movements of the body, although some also seen in viscera, such as diaphragm. As observed with light microscope, longitudinally sectioned muscle cells or fibers show cross-striations of alternating light and dark bands. The darker bands are called A bands with width of 1.5 μm, which are anisotropic, i.e. birefringent in polarized light, at mid A band, there is a less dark area, i.e. H band, which is bisected by a darker middle line, i.e. M line. Whereas the lighter bands, are called I bands, 0.8-1.5 μm in width, which is isotropic, i.e. do not alter polarized light. Each I band is bisected by a dark transverse line, the Z line.

[0004] The smallest repetitive functional subunit of the contractile apparatus is called sarcomere, which extends from Z line to Z line, and about 2-34 μm long in resting muscle. The sarcoplasm is filled with long cylindrical filamentous bundles called myofibrils, which have a diameter of 1-2 μm and run parallel to the long axis of the muscle fiber, consisting of an end-to-end chain-like arrangement of sarcomeres. Laterally, it exhibits a characteristic pattern of transverse striations. This sarcommere pattern is mainly due to the presence of two type filaments thick and thin, that lying parallel to the long axis of the myofibrils in a symmetric pattern. The thick filaments are 1.6 μm long and 15 nm wide, occupying the A band, i.e. the central portion of the sarcomere. The thin filaments, which are 1.0 μm long and 8 nm wide, run between and parallel to the thick filaments and have one end attached to Z line. As a result of this arrangement, the I bands consist of the portion of the thin filaments that do not overlap the thick filaments. The A bands are composed mainly of thick filaments in addition to portions of overlapping thin filaments. H bands are less dark zones in the center of band A, which corresponds to a region consisting only of the rod-like portion of the myosin molecules. Bisecting the H band is the M line, i.e. a region where lateral connections are made between adjacent thick filaments. The major protein of the M line is creatine kinase, which catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from phosphocreatine to ADP, thus providing the supply of ATP necessary for muscle contraction. Striated muscle filaments contain four main proteins: actin, tropomyosin, troponin and myosin. Thin filaments are composed of the first three proteins, whereas thick filaments consist primarily of myosin.

[0005] Cardiac Muscle (Myocardium)

[0006] One special striated muscle, muscle cells are about 15 μm in diameter and 80-100 μm in length, each cardiac muscle cell possesses only one or two centrally located pale-staining nuclei and distributed only in the heart, cross striations may be seen under light microscope. During embryonic development, cardiac muscle cells form complex junctions between their extended processes, making cells within a chain often bifurcate, or branch, and bind to cells in adjacent chains. In addition, a unique distinguishing character of cardiac muscle is presence of dark-staining transverse lines that cross the chains of cardiac cells at irregular intervals, named intercalated disks, which represent junctional complexes found at the interface between adjacent cardiac muscle cells, so as to prevent cells from pulling apart under constant contractile activities and provide ionic continuity between adjacent cells, allowing the signal to contract to pass in a wave from cell to cell. Consequently, heart consists of tightly knit bundles of cells, interwoven in a fashion that provides for a characteristic wave of contraction that leads to a wringing out of the heart ventricles. It can perform continuous, quick and strong contraction, functioning as a center pump of circulation system, which is not controlled by will, belonging to non-voluntary muscle.

[0007] The structure and function of the contraction proteins in cardiac cells are virtually the same as in skeletal muscle. The T-tubule system and sarcoplasmic reticulum, however, are not as regularly arranged in the cardiac myocytes. The T tubules are more numerous and larger, but sarcoplasmic reticulum is not as well developed in ventricular muscle than in skeletal muscle. Cardiac muscle cells contain numerous mitochondria, which occupy 40% or more of the cytoplasmic volume, reflecting the need for continuous aerobic metabolism in heart muscle. By comparison, only about 2% of skeletal muscle fibers are occupied by mitochondria. Fatty acids, transported to cardiac muscle cells by lipoproteins, are the major fuel of the heart.

[0008] Smooth Muscle

[0009] Smooth muscle is composed of elongated fusiform non-striated cells, ranging in size from 20 μm to 500 μm, each cell has a single nucleus located in the center of the broadest part of the cell. Each of the cells is enclosed by a basal lamina and a network of reticular fibers, which serve to combine the force generated by each smooth muscle fiber into a concerted action, e.g. peristalsis in the intestine. A rudimentary sarcoplasmic reticulum is present, similar to that of striated muscle, but find no T tubules in smooth muscle cells. They are major constituents in the walls of hollow visceral organs, such as bronchial tree, alimentary canal, biliary tract, urinary tract, vasculatures, uterus, and so on. It may perform slow and sustained contraction, carrying out their functions respectively, also belong to non-voluntary muscle.

[0010] The characteristic contractile activity of smooth muscle is related to the structure and organization of its actin and myosin filaments, which do not exhibit the paracrystalline organization present in striated muscles. In smooth muscle cells, bundles of myofilaments crisscross obliquely through the cell, forming a lattice-like network. These bundles consist of thin filaments (5-7 nm) containing actin and tropomyosin, and thick filaments (12-16 nm) containing of myosin. Both structural and biochemical studies reveal that smooth muscle actin and myosin contract by a sliding filament mechanism similar to that occurs in striated muscles.

[0011] An influx of Ca²⁺ is involved in the initiation of contraction in smooth muscle; however, interacts with actin only when the myosin light chain is phosphorylated. For this reason, and because the tropomyosin complex of skeletal muscle is absent, the contraction mechanism of smooth muscle differs somewhat from skeletal and cardiac muscle. Ca²⁺ binds with calmodulin, a calcium-binding porotein, to form Ca2+-calmodulin complex. The Ca²⁺-calmodulin complex activates myosin light chain kinase, the enzyme responsible for the phosphorylation of myosin light chain. Contraction or relaxation of smooth muscle may be regulated by hormones via cyclic AMP (cAMP). When a level of cAMP increases, myosin light-chain kinase is activated, myosin light chain is phosphorylated, and the cell contracts. A decrease in cAMP has the opposite effect, reducing contractibility.

[0012] Smooth muscle cells have an elaborate array of 10 nm intermediate filaments, coursing through their cytoplasm. Desmin (skeletin) has been identified as the major protein of intermediate filaments in all smooth muscles, and vimentin is an additional component in vascular smooth muscle. Two types of dense bodies appear in smooth muscle cells. One is membrane-associated, the other is cytoplasmic. Both contain α-actinin and are thus similar to the Z lines of striated muscles. Both thin and intermediate filaments insert into dense bodies that transmit contractile force to adjacent smooth muscle cells and their surrounding network of reticular fibers.

[0013] Smooth muscle usually has spontaneous activity in the absence of nervous stimuli. Its nervous supply, therefore, has the function of modifying activity rather than, as in skeletal muscle, initiating it.

MECHANISMS OF MUSCLE CONTRACTION

[0014] Skeletal Muscle Contraction

[0015] Skeletal muscle contraction involves the following processes

[0016] 1. Neuroimpulse for a movement starts from central nervous system, then is transmitted along with motor nerve fiber (axon) and reaches to the motor end-plate (myoneural junction).

[0017] 2. A neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, is released from the axon terminals

[0018] 3. The released acetylcholine binds to acetylcholine receptors in the sarcolemma at the junctional folds.

[0019] 4. Binding of the neurotransmitter makes the sarcolemma more permeable to sodium, resulting in membrane depolarization at the motor end-plate.

[0020] 5. The depolarization is propagated along the surface of the muscle cells and deep into the muscle fibers via the triad, T tubule system.

[0021] 6. The depolarization signal is passed to the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), and induces Ca²⁺ release from SR cistern, which initiates the contraction cycle as the following mechanisms:

[0022] 1) High concentration Ca²⁺ ions (10⁻⁵ M) within the sarcoplasmic reticulum cistern are passively released into the vicinity of the overlapping thick and thin filaments, making Ca²⁺ ion concentration there is sufficiently higher (10⁻⁶-10⁻⁷ M).

[0023] 2) The higher concentration Ca²⁺ ions bind to TnC subunit of troponin, the signal is immediately transmitted to tropomyosin by TnI subunit, and induces myosin-ATP to be converted into active complex.

[0024] 3) The spatial configuration of the three troponin subunits changes and drives the tropomyosin molecule deeper into the groove of the actin helix, so as to expose the myosin-binding site on the actin components, making actin free to interact with the head of the myosin molecule.

[0025] 4) The head of myosin molecule interacts with actin at the binding site, resulting in formation of actin-myosin cross-bridge. Meanwhile, the actin-myosin ATPase is activated, the ATP is split into ADP and Pi with release of bio-energy, provided for

[0026] 5) movement of muscle molecular motor—a deformation, or bending, of the head and a part of the rod-like portion of the myosin.

[0027] 6) The movement of the myosin head pulls the actin filaments (thin filaments) to slide over the myosin filaments (thick filaments), drawing the thin filaments further into the A band.

[0028] 7) The actin-myosin cross-bridge binds a new ATP molecule, from which obtains bio-energy, making the bridge is detached, and the myosin head reset for another contraction cycle.

[0029] (If no ATP available, the actin-myosin bridge becomes stable, accounting for the extreme muscular rigidity that occurs after death)

[0030] Although a large number of myosin heads extend from the thick filaments, at any one time during the contraction, only a small number of heads align with available actin-binding sites. As the bound myosin heads move the actin, however, the movement provides more actin-binding sites available for alignment of new actin-myosin bridges. A single muscle contraction is the result of hundreds of cycles of actin-myosin cross-bridge-forming, sliding, and the bridge breaking. The contraction activity that leads to a complete overlap between thin and thick filaments continues until Ca²⁺ ions are removed and the troponin-tropomyosin complex again covers the myosin binding site at actin molecule. During contraction, the I band decreases in size as thin filaments penetrate into the A band. The H band—the part of the A band with only thick filaments—diminishes in width as the thin filaments completely overlap the thick filaments. A net result is that each sarcomere, and consequently the whole muscle cell, is greatly shortened, whereas without change in length of both thin and thick filaments themselves.

[0031] Cardiac Muscle Contraction

[0032] The rhythmic cardiac muscle contraction is initiated by self-generated rhythmic impulses, which normally starts from nodus sinuatrialis, then is transmitted along atrial muscle fibers and cardiac conductive system, which consists of nodus atrioventricularis, fasciculus atrioventricularis (His fasciculus), crus sinistrum, crus dextrum and Purkinje fibers, finally reaches to ventricular muscle fibers. Meanwhile, the impulse sequentially result in depolarization of atrial cardiac muscle, then ventricular cardiac muscle. The events following the depolarization to cause cardiac muscle contraction are similar with those occur in skeletal muscle, i.e. Ca²⁺ release, recycling of actin-myosin filament cross-bridge formation, and sliding movement. In addition, there is rich autonomic nerve supply to cardiac muscles, so that both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous impulses may apparently modify activities of cardiac muscle contraction.

[0033] Smooth Muscle Contraction

[0034] Smooth muscle is non-voluntary muscle, it may spontaneously contract but slow and sustained. Many factors, such as mechanical stimuli, physical factors, chemicals, hormones, neurotransmitters and so on, may substantially influence smooth muscle contraction, which may occur follow the steps as below:

[0035] 1. Any initiate factor may firstly cause Ca²⁺ influx into smooth muscle cells, or induces intra-cellular Ca²⁺ release from sarcoplasmic reticula (SR);

[0036] 2. The Ca²⁺ combines with a calcium binding protein, i.e. calmodulin to form Ca²⁺-calmodulin complex;

[0037] 3. The Ca²⁺-calmodulin complex activates myosin light chain kinase (MLCK);

[0038] 4. The myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) catalyzes phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC);

[0039] 5. The phosphorylated myosin light chain activates actin-myosin ATPase;

[0040] 6. The activated actin-myosin ATPase catalyzes hydrolysis of ATP, resulting in release of bio-energy for smooth muscle contraction;

[0041] The following events, i.e. the mechanism of smooth muscle actin-myosin interaction, recycling of actin-myosin cross-bridge formation, thin and thick filament sliding, are similar to that occur in striated muscle contraction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Physiological functions of the muscle tissues are various, and differences among them are mainly determined by the initiating and regulating mechanism of each kind of special muscle tissue. All muscle tissues, however, are in common to possess a similar property of contraction as a contractile apparatus, i.e. the muscle molecular motor, for which the mechanism basically is the same-recycling of actin-myosin filament cross-bridge formation and sliding movement. The process requires bio-energy provided by ATP hydrolysis, which relies on actin-myosin ATPase activity. Therefore, by inhibition of muscle molecular motor with the ATPase inhibitor(s), i.e. bio-energy muscle relaxant(s), abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of any kind of muscle tissues may be modified, so as to relieve the related diseases or symptoms.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN DETAIL INTRODUCTION

[0043] Human muscle tissues are originated from the embryonic mesoderm, which is then gradually differentiated into mainly three group muscle tissues as skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle (myocardium), and smooth muscle along with the later individual embryonic developing process. Each kind muscle tissue has its own mechanism to cause contraction under normal or pathophysiological conditions, which, besides muscle molecular motor, may be regarded as its own special initiation and signal transmission system, i.e. the initiating and regulating mechanism, so as to maintain various physiological activities and reactions under pathological situations of human body. At molecular level, however, a final completion of any muscle contraction relies on mechanism of muscle contractile apparatus, i.e. muscle molecular motor mechanism-recycling of the actin-myosin filament cross-bridge formation and sliding movement. In this sense, therefore, all kinds of muscle tissues possess a common property for their basic physiologic contraction function. Bio-energetically, running the muscle molecular motor requires bio-energy released from ATP hydrolysis, which is catalyzed by actin-myosin ATPase. Therefore, if the ATPase is inhibited, then ATP would not be hydrolyzed, so that providing with no bio-energy for running of the muscle molecular motor, and resulting in no muscle contraction.

[0044] In this way, an abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contraction under pathophysiological situations, no matter what kind of muscle tissues, may be modified by using the actin-myosin ATPase inhibitor(s). The actin-myosin ATPase inhibitors, therefore, may be regarded as bio-energy muscle relaxants (or named as general muscle relaxants).

COMMON PROPERTY IN MUSCLE CONTRACTION

[0045] Muscle Molecular Motor Mechanism

[0046] Although there are many differences in the mechanisms of physiological functions among the various muscle tissues before muscle molecular motor action, a common property—recycling of actin-myosin filament cross-bridge formation and sliding movement, still presents in all kinds of muscle contractile processes. Bio-energetically, during muscle contraction, no matter what kind of muscles, or how does the mechanism operate before muscle molecular motor, all muscle contractions are basically the same at the muscle molecular motor level as the steps below:

[0047] 1. Activation of actin-myosin ATPase.

[0048] 2. Hydrolysis of ATP at myosin head area.

[0049] 3. Release of bio-energy, provided for the contractile apparatus—muscle molecular motor—to carry out recycling of actin-myosin filaments cross-bridge and sliding movement.

[0050] The mechanism involved in these steps may be defined as “muscle molecular motor mechanism”, i.e. contractile apparatus mechanism. This is a property in common for all kinds of muscle tissues of human and animals.

[0051] Generally, therefore, mechanisms involved in any kind of muscle contractions, in fact, may be divided into two aspects: one aspect is the initiating and regulating mechanism, which involves all events related to muscle contraction but happened before the muscle molecular motor action, so that it may also be called as pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism. The second aspect, then is the muscle molecular motor mechanism, i.e. contractile apparatus mechanism mentioned above. Although each kind of muscle has its own pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism for its contraction, the molecular motor mechanism basically is the same in all kinds of muscle tissues.

[0052] Current medications, drugs, and therapies for those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or muscle contraction mainly are aimed just at the pre-muscle molecular motor mechanisms, i.e. the initiating and regulating mechanism, whereas without directly intending to effect on the muscle molecular motor mechanism. For example: In aspect of abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of smooth muscle:

[0053] For asthma

[0054] β₂-agonists, glucocorticoids, methylxanthines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, leukotriene synthesis inhibitors, leukotriene receptor antagonists, lipoxygenase inhibitors, and possible agents designed to inhibit the effects of cytokines, including reducing production of the cytokines and/or antagonists against the cytokines that up-regulate allergic inflammation such as IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 etc., and regulating of IgE synthesis, anti-IgE antibody, cytokines that down-regulate allergic inflammation, and so on.

[0055] For hypertension

[0056] Vasodilators such as organic nitrates, glyceryl trinitrate, diazoxide, hydralazine, minoxidil, sodium nitroprusside, nicorandil, papaverine, alprostadil. Calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, nimodipine.

[0057] Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin (AT) receptor antagonists such as captopril, enalapril.

[0058] α-Adrenoceptor blocking drugs such as: prazosin, doxazosin, indoramin, phentolamine, dibenyline, thymoxamine, labetalol, ergot alkaloid, chlorpromazine.

[0059] β-Adrenoceptor blocking drugs such as: oxprenolol, propranolol, pindolol, sotalol, timolol, nadolol, acebutolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, betaxolol, labetalol.

[0060] Adrenergic neuron blocking drugs such as guanethidine.

[0061] Depletion of stored transmitter (noradrenaline) such as reserpine.

[0062] Inhibition of transmitter synthesis such as metirosine.

[0063] For spasm of alimentary canal smooth muscle, including stomach, intestine and colons, biliary and pancreatic duct etc.

[0064] Cholinergic receptor blockers or anticholinergic drugs such as atropine, hyoscyamine, hyoscine, hyoscine butylbromide, homatropine, tropicamine, ipratropium, flavoxate, oxybutynin, glycopyrronium, propantheline, dicyclomine, benzhexol, orphenadrine, promethazine, pirenzepine and so on.

[0065] For spasm of urinary tract smooth muscle: Similar to anticholinergic drugs mentioned above.

[0066] In aspect of excessive contraction of skeletal muscle

[0067] For epilepsy

[0068] Valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, primidone, phenobarbital, gabapentin, vigabatrin, ethosuximide, clonazepam, felbamate, diazepam, and so on. Antiepileptic (anticonvulsant) drugs inhibit the neuronal discharge or its spread, and do so in one of the three ways:

[0069] 1) Altering cell membrane permeability to ions, e.g. Na⁺, Ca²⁺

[0070] 2) Enhancing the activity of natural inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which induces hyperpolarisation.

[0071] 3) Inhibition of excitatory neurotransmitters, e.g. glutamate.

[0072] For other skeletal muscle convulsion or spasm (such as Parkinson's disease, muscle spasm caused by various pathogenesis, including tetanus, some infectious diseases, some neurological diseases, and toxic spasm, such as poisoning of organophosphorus, and so on): Phenobarbital, diazepam, magnesium sulfate etc.

[0073] Obviously, the effects of the medications, drugs, and therapies listed above on abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contraction are all aimed just at the pre-muscle molecular motor mechanisms, i.e. initiating and regulating mechanisms, whereas put the muscle molecular motor mechanisms aside, actually, neither directly intending to effect on it, nor substantial knowing about it.

[0074] Since the molecular motor is put in function, beginning with activation of actin-myosin ATPase, which catalyzes hydrolysis of ATP, and releases bio-energy for movement of the muscle molecular motor, then abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contraction may be effectively modified or attenuated by inhibition of the ATPase, in spite of what kind of muscle tissues, and no matter numerous differences in their pre-muscle molecular motor mechanisms, i.e. the initiating and regulating mechanisms. Therefore, the ATPase inhibitors may be used as bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) for treating of abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contractions of any kind of muscle tissues of human and animals under diseased conditions.

THE BIO-ENERGY MUSCLE RELAXANTS GENERAL MUSCLE RELAXANTS

[0075] BDM (2,3-butanedione monoxime), also known as diacetyl monoxime, is a diffusible, non-toxic, and nucleophilic agent, which may dephosphorylate and reactivate acetylcholinesterase poisoned with organophosphorus. This chemical phosphatase activity stimulated studies of the effect of BDM on phosphorylation-depedent cellular processes. As result of these studies, we know that the drug affects a number of mechanisms, including muscle contraction, ionic current flow and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, it may be used as a component of cardioplegic solutions since it protects cardiac muscle tissues exposed to certain ischaemic conditions. Meanwhile, diversity of its cellular actions is also being revealed and continuing to unresolved questions regarding its molecular mechanism (see attachment (2)—references c). BDM is currently being used as a non-specific actin-myosin ATPase inhibitor or actin-myosin cross-bridge blocker in studies related muscle contraction.

[0076] Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies on animals have demonstrated that abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contraction, such as in asthma, hypertension, coronary malfunction, spasms of gastro-intestine tract, as well as skeletal muscle convulsion and so on, may be substantially modified and attenuated when the muscle actin-myosin ATPase is inhibited by BDM. Therefore, the actin-myosin ATPase inhibitors, BDM and thereby its isoforms, analogues, and other similar chemicals, possessing the inhibition effect on the actin-myosin ATPase, may be used as therapeutic agents for reliving abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contraction in related diseases. The actin-myosin ATPase inhibitors may be named as bio-energy muscle relaxants because they modify or attenuate abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contraction through inhibition of the actin-myosin ATPase, so as to reduce hydrolysis of ATP and then bio-energy release and consumption of the muscle tissues as well.

[0077] To control abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contraction in this way would completely differ from any of the current medications, drugs, and therapies adopted by doctors for these related diseases or symptoms.

SERIAL STUDIES

[0078] Experiment Study 1

[0079] Asthma is a common disease in adults and children, characterized by an increased smooth muscle tone or excessive contraction of bronchial smooth muscle in respond to atopic antigen exposures, and/or some other non-specific stimulation. Atopic allergy, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and the subsequent series of pathophysiological alterations may be involved in the mechanisms of asthma. In fact, these mechanisms are falling into the aspect of pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism for asthmatic bronchial smooth muscle contraction.

[0080] All current medications, drugs, and therapies for asthma are aimed just at this pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism, whereas without directly intending to effect on the molecular motor mechanism.

[0081] We have demonstrated that BDM, an actin-myosin ATPase inhibitor, may induce a reversible bronchial smooth muscle relaxation. Therefore, BDM may be used as a airway smooth muscle relaxant (bronchodilator).

[0082] To investigate the bronchodilator effect of BDM, 15 guinea pigs with body weight less than 200 g were used for the study. Sensitive animals were chosen by aerosolized inhalation of asthma-inducing agents—a mixed solution of 2% acethycholine with 0.1% histamine for 15 sec., inducing an asthmatic attack with severe difficulty in respiration and finally resulting in the animal body turned down. The time from beginning of the inhalation to animal turned down was recorded as an index named “turned down time” or asthmatic latent period. Those animals with turned down time less than 120 s. were selected for the study next day. The selected animals were grouped and administered with saline (10 ml/kg, I.P.), BDM (0.2M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.), and aminophylline (1.25%, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) respectively at 30 min., 4 h, and 24 h. before inhalation of the asthma-inducing agent solution. Then the latent period was recorded for each of the animals.

[0083] The result showed that 30′ after BDM administration, the asthmatic latent period induced by the asthma-inducing solution was extended up to 261±107.4 s. (n=5), significantly prolonged than 112±27.3 s. (n=5) of saline treated control group (P<0.05), and similar to the effect of aminophylline on bronchial smooth muscle.

[0084] Experiment Study 2

[0085] To investigate effect of BDM on abnormal contraction of bronchial smooth muscle induced by histamine, 15 guinea pigs with body weight of 250-350g were used for the study. The animals were divided as saline, BDM, and aminophylline groups. Each animal was anesthetized with pentobarbital (30 mg/kg, I.P.), the trachea was intubated and connected to respirator. Tidal volume and frequency of the respirator were adjusted to 6-10 ml and 60-70 breath/min. respectively.

[0086] A small hole on chest wall of the animal was made, resulting in pneumothorax to inhibit spontaneous respiration of the animal. A modified device was used for measuring by-pass-airflow pressure of the airway, which reflecting alteration in airway resistance, therefore was used to evaluate status of bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine. The by-pass-airflow pressures were measured before and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after administration of histamine (5-10 μg, I.P.) as control values. Then, saline(10 ml/kg, I.P.), BDM(0.2M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.), and aminophylline (1.25%, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) were given respectively, the by-pass-airflow pressures induced by the same dose histamine before and at the same time points after the administration of the drugs were recorded. Changes in by-pass-airflow pressure caused by histamine before and after saline, BDM, or aminophylline were compared.

[0087] A percentage of changes in the airflow pressures before and after administration of the histamine at different time points, defined as the change rate, was calculated as the formula below:

Change rate (%)=(P_(A)−P_(B)) / P_(B)×100%

[0088] where P_(A) is the airflow pressure after histamine, P_(B) is the pressure before histamine. Values were expressed as mean ±SD, paired or group “t” test was used upon the requirement for the statistical analysis. It was considered as significance when p<0.05.

[0089] The results showed that at 10′, 20′, 30′, 40′, and 50′ after the administration of BDM, the histamine-airflow pressures were significantly deceased compared to the values before the administration of BDM (P<0.01 or P<0.05), suggesting BDM possesses significant relaxing effect on contraction of bronchial smooth muscle induced by histamine, whereas without reducing of normal bronchial smooth muscle tone, similar to the effect of aminophylline on bronchial smooth muscle.

[0090] Experiment Study 3

[0091] Abnormal excessive contractions of smooth muscle in gastrointestinal tract, biliary, pancreatic, and urinary tracts, are often shown as severe and emergent symptoms. They are usually caused by numerous pathogenetic factors, such as acute inflammatory processes, stimulation of stones or parasites in these organs. Anticholinergic drugs are currently used for relief of the abnormal excessive contraction of smooth muscle in these organs, such as atropine, scopolamine, anisodamine, and synthesized anticholinergic drugs, often combined with sedatives and analgesics, even morphine.

[0092] All these drugs used for relief of smooth muscle spasm in alimentary tract, acting at the peripheral terminals of autonomic nervous system in these organs, blocking or reducing release of cholinergic neurotransmitters, so as to modify or attenuate abnormal contraction of smooth muscle in these organs. The mechanism falls in the aspect of the pre-muscle molecular motor mechanisms, i.e. the initiating and regulating mechanisms, but put the molecular motor mechanisms aside without directly intending to effect on it.

[0093] It has been demonstrated in our in vitro study that, BDM possesses significant inhibition of abnormal smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂ in isolated colon tissues from guinea pigs.

[0094] To investigate this effect, 14 guinea pigs (provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou, China, certificate No. 99A047) with body weight of 240±20 g were used for the study. Following sacrifice of the animal by hitting the head, the colon was isolated within Botting solution, a segment of the colon in 2 cm length was taken to mount on the equipment—one end connected to a force transducer, the other end fixed at the bottom of the organ water-bath (DC-001 Organ Bath, made in Nanjin, China) containing oxygenated nutritious solution at 37° C. The force (g) resulted from smooth muscle contraction caused by BaCl₂ (AR, product of Guangzhou Chemical Reagent Factory, Lot. No.20000301-2) (0.67 g/L nutritious sol.) was measured before and 10 min. after the administration of placebo (nutritious sol.) or BDM (0.2M, 20 ml/L nutritious sol.). A contraction rate after the administration of placebo and BDM was calculated as the formula below:

Contraction Rate=[Contraction Force after BDM (or placebo)/Contraction Force before BDM (or placebo)]×100%.

[0095] And then, group “t” test was made. Significance is considered to be established when P<0.05. The result showed that the contraction rate after administration of BDM was 68.4±6.9%, significantly lower than 101.2±4.2%, that of control group (P<0.01). It suggests that BDM possesses significant relaxing effect on abnormal colon smooth muscle contraction caused by BaCl₂ in guinea pigs

[0096] Experiment Study 4

[0097] Hypertension is a disease mainly related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of systemic arterial smooth muscle. As we know, the pathogenetic mechanism for hypertension is very complicated; however, it's recognized that a increased arterial smooth muscle tone certainly plays a very important role in the disease. Although numerous medications, drugs, therapies etc. have been developed for treatment of hypertension, including reducing arterial smooth muscle tone, all of them, however, effect just on the events involved in aspect of the pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism, i.e. the initiating and regulating mechanism, but without directly intending to effect on the molecular motor mechanism of arterial smooth muscle, which basically is the same as other smooth muscles.

[0098] It has been demonstrated in our in vivo studies on rats that, BDM may efficiently antagonize hypertension induced by aramine, and apparently inhibit the increased blood pressure in the rat hypertension model.

[0099] Eighteen SD rats (provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, First Military Medical University, Guang Zhou, China, Certificate No. 99A046) with body weight of 200-250 g were used for the study. The animal was anesthetized with urethan (1.4 g/kg, I.P.), then the main cervical artery was exposed and cannulated, blood pressure was monitored during the experiment. Waited for stabilization of 30 min after the operation, then normal blood pressure curves were recorded. Preventive test: BDM (0.2 M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) or the same amount of saline as control was given first, then blood pressure curves at 2, 5, 10 min. after the administration were recorded respectively, and followed by administration of aramine (30 pg/ml, 0.4 ml/min, I.V.drop) through femoral vein, blood pressure curves were recorded at 2, 5, 10 min. after the administration of aramine.

[0100] Curative test: the same amount of aramine was given first, inducing blood pressure to increase by about 60 mmHg, stabilized for 10 min., then BDM (0.2 M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) or saline as control was administered, blood pressure curves were recorded at 2, 5, 10 min after BDM or saline.

[0101] The results showed that: (1) In the preventive test, the blood pressure was apparently decreased after administration of BDM, from 117/68 down to 84/40 mmHg approximately. Following aramine administration then, the blood pressure in BDM group was recovered and maintained at normal level, at about 125/75 mmHg, whereas values of the blood pressure in control group were obviously higher than normal, at about 185/120 mmHg. (2) In the curative test, the blood pressure was significantly decreased, averaged by 54/42 mmHg, after BDM administration, contrast, the blood pressure in control group was just fluctuated within a range of ±15 mmHg. It suggests that BDM may decrease smooth muscle tone of the arterials, may also effectively antagonize aramine-induced hypertension, and possesses significant inhibition of hypertension. Therefore actin-myosin ATPase inhibitor, BDM, may be used as an effective treatment for hypertension that mainly due to an abnormally increased arterial smooth muscle tone.

[0102] Experiment study 5

[0103] Abnormal contraction of skeletal muscle is very commonly seen in clinic emergency medicine, such as epilepsy, some infectious diseases, some neurological diseases, toxic spasm, tetanus, poisoning of organophospharus, etc. The anticonvulsants currently used for these skeletal muscle convulsions are all effective just on the mechanisms before muscle molecular motor, i.e. the initiating and regulating mechanisms, without directly intending to effect on the muscle molecular motor mechanism, recycling of the actin-myosin filament cross-bridge and sliding movement.

[0104] To investigate the effect, 36 mice (provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, Provincial Health Department, Guangdong, China, Certificate No.99A030) were used for the study, animals were grouped as placebo, preventing, and treatment groups. Muscle convulsion was induced with injection of strychnine (1.5 mg/kg I.P., injection product of 2 mg/ml, He Feng Pharmaceutical Co., Shanghai, China, Lot. No. 990701), the beginning and lasting time of the convulsion were recorded, then repeated the same experimental procedures and measuring before and after administration of BDM (0.2M, 20 ml/kg, I.P.) or saline to determine if the convulsion induced by strychnine may be modified.

[0105] The results showed that BDM may significantly extend the time from beginning of convulsion to the death of the animal (P<0.01), the values were 496.3±285.3 s., 538.3±169.3 s. and 10.8±20.9 s. in preventive, curative and saline group respectively, suggesting BDM possesses antagonist effect against the convulsion induced by strychnine, so that BDM may potentially be used as an anticonvulsant.

WE CLAIM THE FOLLOWING ITEMS

[0106] 1. Actin-myosin ATPase inhibitors, 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) and its isoforms, analogues, and homologous, including other pharmaceutical compositions possessing inhibition effect on actin-myosin ATPase, may be used as bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) for relaxing abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of smooth muscle and striated muscle (including myocardium and skeletal muscle) in human and animals.

[0107] 2. Pharmaceutical chemical structures of claim 1 wherein said the bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants), are shown as R1C(=NOH)COR2, where R1 and R2 are the same or different, and represent substitutes from group of alkyl- such as methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, the hydrocarbon chains R1, R2 have 1 to 8 linear or branched or ringed carbon atoms.

[0108] 3. The bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) of claim 1 wherein said are administered at a safe dosage, given alone with acceptable vehicle, or given as a component combined with any of current pharmaceutical compositions, medications, drugs, and therapies for diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of muscle tissues, including all smooth muscles and striated muscles listed as below:

[0109] a. Those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, spasm of trachea-bronchial tree smooth muscle, diaphragm muscle, such as various asthma, breathlessness, dyspnea, diaphragmatic convulsion, and so on;

[0110] b. Those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, or spasm of vascular smooth muscle in systemic, coronary, pulmonary circulation, and micro-circulatory smooth muscle as well, such as systemic hypertension, malignant hypertension, hypertension crisis, symptomatic hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary infarction, angina pectoris, cardiac infarction, micro-circulation malfunction under shock condition, and infarction occurred in other location or organs of the human or animal body;

[0111] c. Those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, spasm of gastro-intestine smooth muscle, including sphincters, such as gastric spasm, pylorospasm, and spasms of biliary tract, pancreatic tract, urinary tract, caused by inflammation, stimulation of stones or parasites and so on;

[0112] d. Those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of other visceral organs such as uterus, Fallopian tube, and so on, such as various dysmenorrheas, spasm of the tube, and so on;

[0113] e. Those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, spasm of skeletal muscle, such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, painful spasm, fatigue spasm, and other muscle spasms caused by various pathogenesis, including tetanus, some infectious diseases, some neurological diseases, and toxic spasm, such as poisoning of organophosphorus, and so on;

[0114] f. Abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, spasm of muscle tissues of other organs such as ophthalmospasm, facial muscle spasm, and so on;

[0115] g. In addition, contraction of myocardium may also be modified by the bio-energy muscle relaxants when it is needed.

[0116] 4. The bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) of claim 1 wherein said are administered alone or as a component combined with any other effective pharmaceutical compositions, and in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier vehicles, such as aerosols, lotions, tablets, capsules, injections and other effective forms.

[0117] 5. The bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) of claim 4 wherein said are administered by inhalation, orally intake, topical use on mucous or skin tissues, and other parenteral ways, such as subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal or topical tissue infiltration injections, and so on.

ATTACHMENT (1) STUDY REPORTS TRANSLATION FROM THE CHINESE ORIGINALS 1. EFFECT OF SPL-A ON DRUG-INDUCED ASTHMA IN GUINEA PIG

[0118] Aim

[0119] To investigate effect of SPL-A on drug-induced asthma in guinea pig (mainly referring bronchodilator-like effect)

[0120] Animal

[0121] Healthy guinea pigs with body weight <200 g, half male and female;

[0122] Experimental reagents and instruments: 0.2M SPL-A solution, 2% acethylcholine chloride, 0.1% histamine phosphate, 1.25% aminophyline, and type-402 ultrasonic nebulizer, etc.

[0123] Method

[0124] (1) Screening animals: animal was put in a glass container, a mixed solution of 2% acethylcholine and 0.1% histamine was nebulized with a pressure of 400 mmHg and inhaled by the animals for 15 sec. Following the end of the inhalation, the time between beginning of the inhalation and the animal turned down due to bronchial spasm and dyspnea was recorded as asthmatic latent period. Those animals with a latent period beyond 120 s. were excluded, and those with a latent period less than 120 s were selected for study the next day.

[0125] (2) Grouping: The selected animals were divided into saline, SPL-A, and aminophyline groups.

[0126] (3) Administration of the drugs: saline (10 ml/kg, I.P.), SPL-A (0.2M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) and aminophylline (1.25%, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) were given respectively before the inhalation.

[0127] (4) Measuring: Repeat the inhalation at 30 min, 4 h, and 24 h after administration of the drugs respectively. Asthmatic latent period was recorded, 6 minutes were taken as the maximum, and values beyond 6 min were counted as 6 min.

[0128] (5) Data analysis: Values were expressed as meanisd, and paired for “t” and chi-square tests. Significance was considered to be established when p<0.05.

[0129] Results TABLE 1 Effect of SPL-A on the asthmatic latent period induced by acethyicholine and histamine Dose Body Wt. Asthmatic Latent Period (s) Group (ml/kg) (g) Before Ad. 30 min after Ad. 4 h 24 h. N.S. 10 179.8 ± 16.7  91.8 ± 17.3 112.0 ± 27.3  91.0 ± 40.1 111.8 ± 59.7  (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) SPL-A 10 179.3 ± 14.5 70.4 ± 21.1 261.0 ± 107.4 99.2 ± 42.1 81.8 ± 11.0 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5)^(▴#) (n = 5)^(Δ) (n = 5) Aminophylline 10 179.3 ± 20.8 70.6 ± 27.7 298.2 ± 138.2 216.6 ± 112.5   96 ± 26.9 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5)^(▴##) (n = 5)^(▴##) (n = 2)

[0130] TABLE 2 Effect of SPL-A on incidence of asthmatic spasm induced by acethylcholine & histamine Dose Body Wt. Incidence of Asthmatic spasm (%) Group (ml/kg) (g) Before Ad. 30 min after Ad. 4 h 24 h. N.S. 10 179.8 ± 16.7 100 100 100 100 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) SPL-A 10 179.3 ± 14.5 100 100 100 100 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) Aminophylline 10 179.3 ± 20.8 100 100 100 100 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 2)

[0131] Conclusion

[0132] 1) Thirty minutes after SPL-A given, the latent period was significantly extended compared to the value before SPL-A (p<0.05). The effect was similar with aminophylline.

[0133] 2) Four and 24 h after SPL-A, found no significant effect on the latent period.

[0134] 3) Thirty minutes and 4 h after aminophylline administration, the latent period was significantly extended (p<0.05).

[0135] 4) Incidence of asthmatic spasm induced by the drugs at 30 min. after administration of SPL-A and aminophylline, showed a tendency to decrease, from 100% down to 60% and 40% respectively. (not reached significant level may be due to smaller sample size)

[0136] (This study was contracted to and completed by Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tongji Medical University, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China, in September 1999, an original study report is attached behind. SPL-A is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

2. EFFECT OF SPL-A ON BRONCHIAL SMOOTH MUSCLE CONTRACTION INDUCED BY HISTAMINE IN GUINEA PIG

[0137] Aim

[0138] To investigate effect of SPL-A on bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine, and compare it with aminophylline.

[0139] Animal

[0140] Healthy guinea pigs with body weight 250-350 g, half for both male and female.

[0141] Experimental reagents and instruments: SPL-A (0.2 M), histamine phosphate (10 μg/ml), 1.25% aminophylline, saline, DH-140 animal respirator, and multiple-channel physiology recorder, etc.

[0142] Method

[0143] (1). Group, dosage and administration: the animals were grouped as saline (10 ml/kg, I.P.), SPL-A (0.2 M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) and 1.25% aminophylline (10 ml/kg, I.P.) (positive) groups.

[0144] (2). Experimental steps: Each of the animals was anesthetized with pentobarbital (30 mg/kg, I.P.). The trachea was intubated, and connected to respirator. The tidal volume and frequency of the respirator were adjusted to 6-10 ml and 60-70 breath/min respectively. A modified device was used for measuring by-pass-airflow pressure of the airway, which reflecting alteration in airway resistance, therefore was used to evaluate status of bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine.

[0145] A small hole on chest wall of the animal was made, resulting in pneumothorax to inhibit spontaneous respiration of the animal. The by-pass-airflow pressures were measured before and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after administration of histamine (5-10 μg, I.P.) as control values. Then, saline, BDM, and aminophylline were given respectively and followed by administration of the same dose of histamine, the airflow pressures were measured before and at the same time points after administration of the drug and histamine. Changes in the airflow pressure caused by histamine before and after saline, SPL-A, or aminophylline were compared.

[0146] Calculation and Date analysis

[0147] The changing rate, a percentage of changes in by-pass-airflow pressures before and after administration of the histamine at different time points, was calculated as the formula below:

Change rate (%)=(P _(A) −P _(B))/P _(A)×100%

[0148] where P_(A) is the airflow pressure after histamine, P_(B) is the pressure before histamine. Values were expressed as mean ±SD, paired or group “t” test was used upon the requirement for the statistical analysis. It was considered as significance when p<0.05.

[0149] Result TABLE 1 Effect of the tested drugs on by-pass-airflow pressure Saline Group (Kpa) SPL-A Group (Kpa) Aminophylline (Kpa) B A B A B A B. hist. 3.84 ± 0.30 3.85 ± 0.30 3.60 ± 0.26 3.86 ± 0.23 4.18 ± 0.72 4.24 ± 1.18 Hist. 10′ 4.10 ± 0.29 3.94 ± 0.21 3.67 ± 0.16 3.42 ± 0.21 4.51 ± 0.65 4.36 ± 1.10 20′ 4.04 ± 0.27 4.04 ± 0.37 3.76 ± 0.32 3.54 ± 0.21 4.34 ± 0.73 4.18 ± 0.86 30′ 3.97 ± 0.36 3.98 ± 0.27 3.72 ± 0.21 3.56 ± 0.27 4.40 ± 0.79 4.20 ± 0.92 40′ 3.94 ± 0.38 4.02 ± 0.23 3.72 ± 0.18 3.60 ± 0.28 4.42 ± 0.80 4.15 ± 0.88 50′ 3.88 ± 0.24 3.98 ± 0.30 3.67 ± 0.23 3.62 ± 0.29 4.42 ± 0.86 4.10 ± 0.92 60′ 3.94 ± 0.32 3.95 ± 0.37 3.68 ± 0.11 3.66 ± 0.26 4.46 ± 0.87 4.02 ± 0.92

[0150] TABLE 2 Effect of the tested drugs on changing rate of by-pass-airflow pressure Saline Group (%) SPL-A Group (%) Aminophylline (%) B A D B A D B A D Hist 10′ 6.94 ± 6.05 2.51 ± 3.57  4.43 ± 6.47 2.13 ± 3.72 −11.37 ± 2.70^(▴▴) −13.50 ± 3.25* 8.37 ± 7.65  −7.68 ± 7.30^(▴) −16.05 ± 11.76 20′ 5.35 ± 4.53 5.05 ± 7.89 −0.29 ± 4.59 4.49 ± 5.60  −8.22 ± 3.78^(▴) −12.72 ± 8.83* 3.93 ± 5.67 −10.62 ± 9.93^(▴) −14.55 ± 11.05 30′ 3.38 ± 4.46 3.45 ± 1.90  0.06 ± 3.77 3.52 ± 5.09  −7.80 ± 3.26^(▴) −11.33 ± 6.86* 5.31 ± 7.95 −10.40 ± 9.47^(▴) −15.71 ± 11.78 40′ 2.54 ± 3.98 4.59 ± 4.08  2.05 ± 5.17 3.56 ± 5.14  −6.77 ± 3.58^(▴)  −10.34 ± 6.40** 5.80 ± 9.09 −11.38 ± 8.54^(▴) −17.19 ± 13.20 50′ 1.20 ± 4.12 3.48 ± 5.28  2.28 ± 2.54 2.06 ± 3.88  −6.25 ± 3.92^(▴)  −8.31 ± 5.90** 5.63 ± 9.46 −12.73 ± 8.21^(▴) −18.36 ± 10.52 60′ 2.64 ± 3.78 2.51 ± 3.74 −0.12 ± 3.87 2.54 ± 5.95  −5.11 ± 5.64  −7.65 ± 6.83* 6.54 ± 8.83 −14.25 ± 9.52^(▴) −20.79 ± 13.84

[0151] Conclusion

[0152] 1) Administration of the histamine caused significant increase in the airflow pressure, reflecting a raised bronchial smooth muscle tone due to smooth muscle contraction (p<0.05).

[0153] 2) SPL-A may significantly reduce the histamine-induced increase in the airflow pressure at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min after the administration of SPL-A (p<0.01, or p<0.05).

[0154] 3) Aminophylline may significantly reduce the histamine-induced increase in the airflow pressure at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after administration of aminophylline (p<0.01, or p<0.05).

[0155] 6. The bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) of claim 1 may also be used in non-pharmaceutical purpose, such as used in cigarette filter-tips, in any safe, effective, and acceptable form, to relive some uncomfortable feelings due to smoking, that may be related to mild abnormal smooth muscle contraction of bronchials, or pulmonary, coronary, and systemic vasculatures.

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0156] Human muscle tissues involve striated and smooth muscles. Each muscle tissue possesses its own special function. Differences of physiology functions among the muscle tissues are mainly determined by their various initiation and signal transmission systems, defined as the pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism, or initiating and regulating mechanism. However, at molecule level, mechanism of the muscle molecular motor is the same in all kinds of muscle tissues. The current medications, drugs, and therapies for diseases and symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive muscle contraction are aimed just at the pre-muscle molecular motor mechanisms, whereas without directly intending to effect on the muscle molecular motor mechanism i.e. the contractile apparatus mechanism at all. The muscle molecular motor mechanism mainly involves recycling of actin-myosin filament cross-bridge formation and sliding movement. In the process, bio-energy provided by ATP hydrolysis is necessarily required. Therefore, abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of muscle tissues under diseased conditions may be modified by inhibition of the muscle molecular motor with the actin-myosin ATPase inhibitor, which blocks hydrolysis of ATP, then reduces release of bio-energy for the muscle contraction.

[0157] Our studies in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated that BDM, an ATPase inhibitor, thereby, its analogues, derivatives, and other pharmaceutical compositions, possessing similar effect on ATPase may be used as bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants).

ATTACHMENT (1) STUDY REPORTS TRANSLATION FROM THE CHINESE ORIGINALS 1. EFFECT OF SPL-A ON DRUG-INDUCED ASTHMA IN GUINEA PIG

[0158] Aim

[0159] To investigate effect of SPL-A on drug-induced asthma in guinea pig (mainly referring bronchodilator-like effect)

[0160] Animal

[0161] Healthy guinea pigs with body weight <200 g, half male and female;

[0162] Experimental reagents and instruments: 0.2M SPL-A solution, 2% acethylcholine chloride, 0.1% histamine phosphate, 1.25% aminophyline, and type-402 ultrasonic nebulizer, etc.

[0163] Method

[0164] (1) Screening animals: animal was put in a glass container, a mixed solution of 2% acethylcholine and 0.1% histamine was nebulized with a pressure of 400 mmHg and inhaled by the animals for 15 sec. Following the end of the inhalation, the time between beginning of the inhalation and the animal turned down due to bronchial spasm and dyspnea was recorded as asthmatic latent period. Those animals with a latent period beyond 120 s. were excluded, and those with a latent period less than 120 s were selected for study the next day.

[0165] (2) Grouping: The selected animals were divided into saline, SPL-A, and aminophyline groups.

[0166] (3) Administration of the drugs: saline (10 ml/kg, I.P.), SPL-A (0.2M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) and aminophylline (1.25%, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) were given respectively before the inhalation.

[0167] (4) Measuring: Repeat the inhalation at 30 min, 4 h, and 24 h after administration of the drugs respectively. Asthmatic latent period was recorded, 6 minutes were taken as the maximum, and values beyond 6 min were counted as 6 min.

[0168] (5) Data analysis: Values were expressed as meansd, and paired for “t” and chi-square tests. Significance was considered to be established when p<0.05.

[0169] Results TABLE 1 Effect of SPL-A on the asthmatic latent period induced by acethylcholine and hisamine Body Asthmatic Laten Period (s) Dose Wt Before After Ad. Group (ml/kg) (g) Ad. 30 min. 4 h 24 h N.S. 10 179.8 ± 16.7 91.8 ± 17.3 112.0 ± 27.3 91.0 ± 40.1 111.8 ± 59.7 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) SPL-A 10 179.3 ± 14.5 70.4 ± 21.1 261.0 ± 107.4 99.2 ± 42.1  81.8 ± 11.0 (n = 5) (n = 5)^(▴#) (n = 5)^(Δ) (n = 5) Aminophy- 10 179.3 ± 20.8 70.6 ± 27.7 298.2 ± 138.2 216.6 ± 112.5   96 ± 26.9 lline (n = 5) (n = 5)^(▴##) (n = 5)^(▴#) (n = 2)

[0170] TABLE 2 Effect of SPL-A on incidence of astmatic spasm induced by acethylcholine & histamine Incidence of Asthmatic spasm (%) Dose Body Wt. After Ad. Group (ml/kg) (g) Before Ad. 30 min 4 h 24 h. N.S. 10 179.8 ± 16.7 100 100 100 100 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) SPL-A 10 179.3 ± 14.5 100 100 100 100 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) Aminophylline 10 179.3 ± 20.8 100 100 100 100 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 2)

[0171] Conclusion

[0172] 1) Thirty minutes after SPL-A given, the latent period was significantly extended compared to the value before SPL-A (p<0.05). The effect was similar with aminophylline.

[0173] 2) Four and 24 h after SPL-A, found no significant effect on the latent period.

[0174] 3) Thirty minutes and 4 h after aminophylline administration, the latent period was significantly extended (p<0.05).

[0175] 4) Incidence of asthmatic spasm induced by the drugs at 30 min. after administration of SPL-A and aminophylline, showed a tendency to decrease, from 100% down to 60% and 40% respectively. (not reached significant level may be due to smaller sample size)

[0176] (This study was contracted to and completed by Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tongji Medical University, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China, in September 1999, an original study report is attached behind. SPL-A is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

[0177] 2. Effect of SPL-A on bronchial Smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine in guinea pig

[0178] Aim

[0179] To investigate effect of SPL-A on bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine, and compare it with aminophylline.

[0180] Animal

[0181] Healthy guinea pigs with body weight 250-350 g, half for both male and female.

[0182] Experimental reagents and instruments

[0183] SPL-A (0.2 M), histamine phosphate (10 μg/ml), 1.25% aminophylline, saline, DH-140 animal respirator, and multiple-channel physiology recorder, etc.

[0184] Method

[0185] (1). Group, dosage and administration: the animals were grouped as saline (10 ml/kg, I.P.), SPL-A (0.2 M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) and 1.25% aminophylline (10 ml/kg, I.P.) (positive) groups.

[0186] (2). Experimental steps: Each of the animals was anesthetized with pentobarbital (30 mg/kg, I.P.). The trachea was intubated, and connected to respirator. The tidal volume and frequency of the respirator were adjusted to 6-10 ml and 60-70 breath/min respectively. A modified device was used for measuring by-pass-airflow pressure of the airway, which reflecting alteration in airway resistance, therefore was used to evaluate status of bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine.

[0187] A small hole on chest wall of the animal was made, resulting in pneumothorax to inhibit spontaneous respiration of the animal. The by-pass-airflow pressures were measured before and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after administration of histamine (5-10 μg, I.P.) as control values. Then, saline, BDM, and aminophylline were given respectively and followed by administration of the same dose of histamine, the airflow pressures were measured before and at the same time points after administration of the drug and histamine. Changes in the airflow pressure caused by histamine before and after saline, SPL-A, or aminophylline were compared.

[0188] Calculation and Date analysis

[0189] The changing rate, a percentage of changes in by-pass-airflow pressures before and after administration of the histamine at different time points, was calculated as the formula below:

Change rate (%)=(P _(A) −P _(B))/P _(A)×100%

[0190] where P_(A) is the airflow pressure after histamine, P_(B) is the pressure before histamine. Values were expressed as mean ±SD, paired or group “t” test was used upon the requirement for the statistical analysis. It was considered as significance when p<0.05.

[0191] Result TABLE 1 Effect of the tested drugs on by-pass-airflow pressure Saline Group (Kpa) SPL-A Group (Kpa) Aminophylline (Kpa) B A B A B A B. hist. 3.84 ± 0.30 3.85 ± 0.30 3.60 ± 0.26 3.86 ± 0.23 4.18 ± 0.72 4.24 ± 1.18 A. hist 4.10 ± 0.29 3.94 ± 0.21 3.67 ± 0.16 3.42 ± 0.21 4.51 ± 0.65 4.36 ± 1.10 10′ A. hist 4.04 ± 0.27 4.04 ± 0.37 3.76 ± 0.32 3.54 ± 0.21 4.34 ± 0.73 4.18 ± 0.86 20′ A. hist 3.97 ± 0.36 3.98 ± 0.27 3.72 ± 0.21 3.56 ± 0.27 4.40 ± 0.79 4.20 ± 0.92 30′ A. hist 3.94 ± 0.38 4.02 ± 0.23 3.72 ± 0.18 3.60 ± 0.28 4.42 ± 0.80 4.15 ± 0.88 40′ A. hist 3.88 ± 0.24 3.98 ± 0.30 3.67 ± 0.23 3.62 ± 0.29 4.42 ± 0.86 4.10 ± 0.92 50′ A. hist 3.94 ± 0.32 3.95 ± 0.37 3.68 ± 0.11 3.66 ± 0.26 4.46 ± 0.87 4.02 ± 0.92 60′

[0192] TABLE 2 Effect of the tested drugs on changing rate of by-pass-airflow pressure Saline Group (%) SPL-A Group (%) Aminophylline (%) B A D B A D B A D hist 6.94 ± 2.51 ± −4.43 ± 2.13 ± −11.37 ± −13.50 ± 8.37 ±  −7.68 ± −16.05 ± 10′ 6.05 3.57   6.47 3.72    2.70▴▴    3.25* 7.65    7.30▴   11.76 hist 5.35 ± 5.05 ± −0.29 ± 4.49 ±  −8.22 ± −12.72 ± 3.93 ± −10.62 ± −14.55 ± 20′ 4.53 7.89   4.59 5.60    3.78▴    8.83* 5.67    9.93▴   11.05 hist 3.38 ± 3.45 ±   0.06 ± 3.52 ±  −7.80 ± −11.33 ± 5.31 ± −10.40 ± −15.71 ± 30′ 4.46 1.90   3.77 5.09    3.26▴    6.86* 7.95    9.47▴   11.78 hist 2.54 ± 4.59 ±   2.05 ± 3.56 ±  −6.77 ± −10.34 ± 5.80 ± −11.38 ± −17.19 ± 40′ 3.98 4.08   5.17 5.14    3.58▴    6.40** 9.09    8.54▴   13.20 hist 1.20 ± 3.48 ±   2.28 ± 2.06 ±  −6.25 ±  −8.31 ± 5.63 ± −12.73 ± −18.36 ± 50 4.12 5.28   2.54 3.88    3.92▴    5.90** 9.46    8.21▴   10.52 hist 2.64 ± 2.51 ± −0.12 ± 2.54 ±  −5.11 ±  −7.65 ± 6.54 ± −14.25 ± −20.79 ± 60 3.78 3.74   3.87 5.95    5.64    6.83 8.83    9.52▴   13.84

[0193] Conclusion

[0194] 1) Administration of the histamine caused significant increase in the airflow pressure, reflecting a raised bronchial smooth muscle tone due to smooth muscle contraction (p<0.05).

[0195] 2) SPL-A may significantly reduce the histamine-induced increase in the airflow pressure at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min after the administration of SPL-A (p<0.01, or p<0.05).

[0196] 3) Aminophylline may significantly reduce the histamine-induced increase in the airflow pressure at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after administration of aminophylline (p<0.01, or p<0.05).

[0197] 4) Effect of SPL-A was similar to that of aminopphylline at the time points after administration of the two tested drugs.

[0198] 5) Both SPL-A and aminophylline possess relaxing effect on contracted bronchial smooth muscle.

[0199] (This study was contracted to and completed by Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tongji Medical University, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China, in September 1999, an original study report is attached behind. SPL-A is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

3. EFFECT OF SPL-C ON ISOLATED COLON SMOOTH MUSCLE OF GUINEA PIG

[0200] Abstract

[0201] Effect of SPL-C on isolated colon smooth muscle of guinea pig was investigated in the study. The result showed that SPL-C (20 ml/L nutritious solution) possesses significant inhibition of isolated colon smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂.

[0202] Materials

[0203] 1-1. Experimental Reagents

[0204] SPL-C (0.2M, pink solution), provided by Jia-Jie-Xing Science & Technology Co., Shengzheng, China, Lot. 20000720

[0205] 1-2. Main Reagents

[0206] Smooth muscle stimulator

[0207] barium chloride (BaCl₂) A.R, product of Guangzhou Chemical Reagent Factory Lot. No. 20000301-2.

[0208] 1-3. Experimental Animal

[0209] Guinea pig, provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, First Military Medical University, certificate No. 99A047

[0210] 1-4. Instrument

[0211] Type DC-001 Organ Bath, Nanjing Analytical Instruments Co., China.

[0212] Method & Result

[0213] Healthy guinea pigs, half male and female, with body weight of 240±20 g, were selected for the study. No feeding for 24 h before the experiment. Following sacrifice of the animal by hitting the head, the abdomen was rapidly opened and the colon was isolated within Botting solution. A segment of the colon, 2 cm in length was taken to mount on the equipment with one end connected to a force transducer, the other end fixed on the bottom of the organ bath containing of oxygenated nutritious solution at 37° C.

[0214] The animals were divided as test group and control (placebo) group. BaCl₂ (0.67 g/L. nutritious solution) was added into the water bath to induce smooth muscle contraction of the colon before administration of SPL-C or distilled water, repeating the same procedures and measuring the contraction force for times until stable amplitude of the contraction reached.

[0215] Following times of washing then, SPL-C(0.2M, 20 ml/L nutritious sol.) or same amount of distilled water was added separately, 10 min afterwards, same dose of BaCl₂ was added into the water bath again, to observe effect of SPL-C or distilled water on the colon smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂. The contraction force before and after administration of SPL-C or distilled water was recorded, and a contraction rate was calculated as the formula below:

Contraction Rate (%)=[(F _(c) after the drug)/(F _(c) before the drug)]×100%

[0216] Where F_(c) is force of the smooth muscle contraction

[0217] Paired group “t” test was made to compare contraction force after SPL-C and distilled water to determine that if there is significant difference between the two groups. The result was listed as below: Con- Be- 2.05 2.70 1.95 3.10 1.70 2.60 2.40 trol fore (g) After 2.00 2.85 2.00 3.10 1.65 2.80 2.35 (g) Rate 97.5 105.5 102.6 100.0 97.1 107.7 97.9 (%) Mean ± SD: 101.2 ± 4.2% Test Be- 2.35 2.30 2.35 2.30 2.45 2.70 2.90 fore (g) After 1.70 1.35 1.45 1.75 1.70 1.75 2.20 (g) Rate 72.3 58.7 61.7 76.1 69.4 64.8 75.9 (%) Mean ± SD: 68.4 ± 6.9%

[0218] The result showed that the contraction rate after SPL-C was 68.4±6.9%, significantly less than 101.2±4.2%, that value of control group (P<0.01).

[0219] It suggests that SPL-C possesses significant relaxing effect on the colon smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂ in guinea pigs.

[0220] (This study was contracted to and completed by The Pharmacology Laboratory, Guangzhou Municipal Pharmaceutical Industry Institute 134 Mid-JiangNan Dadao, Gangzhou, Gangdong 510240, China. An original study report is attached behind. SPL-C is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

4. EFFECT OF HT2 ON HYPERTENSION INDUCED BY ARAMINE IN THE RATS

[0221] Abstract

[0222] Effect of HT2 on hypertension induced by aramine was studied. The result showed that preventive administration: HT2 solution (10 mg/kg) may effectively antagonize the increase in blood pressure induced by aramine; Curative administration: HT2 solution (10 mg/kg) may significantly inhibit the hypertension induced by aramine.

[0223] 1. Materials

[0224] 1-1. Drug to be tested

[0225] HT2 solution (clear, translucent), provided by Jia-Jie-Xing Science & Technology Co., Shengzheng, China Lot.No.20001023)

[0226] 1-2. Reagents

[0227] Hypertension-inducing drug

[0228] aramine (metaraminol bitartrate) injection, 10 mg/ml Yonkang Pharmaceutical Co., Beijing, Lot.20000923. Proper concentration was prepared just before the experiment.

[0229] Urethan (ethyl carbamate), C. P. Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China Medicine (Groups), Lot. 20000309

[0230] 1-3. Experimental animal

[0231] SD rats, provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, First Military Medical University, Certificate No. 99A046

[0232] 1-4. Experimental instruments

[0233] RMP-6000M Eight Channel Physiology Recorder (made in Japan)

[0234] 2. Method & Result

[0235] Half male and female healthy SD rats with body weight of 200-250 g were selected for the study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups as control, preventive, and curative, 6 rats in each group. Each rat in the groups was anesthetized with urethan (1.4 g/kg, I.P.), then the main cervical artery was exposed and cannulated, arterial blood pressure was monitored via the tube during the experiment. 30 min stabilization was taken after the operation, and curves of normal blood pressure were recorded before testing the drugs.

[0236] 2-1. Prevention test

[0237] HT2 (10 ml/kg, I.P.) was administered for each rat in test group, whereas the same amount of saline was given for each rat in control group. Curves of the blood pressure were recorded at 2, 5, and 10 min. after the administration of HT2 or saline. Then aramine injection (30 μg/ml, 0.4 ml/min.I.V.drop) was given for each of the rats, and the curves of the blood pressure were recorded at 2, 5, and 10 min. after aramine, to determine effect of HT2 on hypertension induced by aramine.

[0238] The results showed that 1 min. after HT2 was given, the blood pressure was apparently decreased, and down to the lowest level by 5 min. after HT2 (decreasing amplitude of SBP/DBP was 33/30 mmHg). For control group, the blood pressure was fluctuated within a range of ±15 mmHg after saline given. Ten minutes later, aramine was administered, the blood pressure was raised back immediately, in average, SBP/DBP were increased by 39/34 mmHg. For control group, the blood pressure was raised instantly as well, in average, SBP/DBP were up to 59/46 mmHg within 10 min. after aramine, ( see Table 1.), suggesting that HT2 may effectively antogonize the drug-induced hypertension.

[0239] 2-2. Curative test

[0240] Aramine was administered to each of the animals, causing an increase in blood pressure by about 60 mmHg, and waiting for 10 min stabilization. Then HT2 or saline was given, curves of the blood pressure were recorded at 2, 5, and 10 min. after administration of HT2 or saline to determine effect of HT2 on the aramine-induced hypertension. The results showed that the blood pressure was significantly decreased at 1 min, and down to the lowest level at 2 min. after administration of HT2 (decreasing amplitude: 58/44 mmHg). In average, SBP/DBP were decreased by 54/42 mmHg within 10 min. Whereas the increased blood pressure of the rats in control group just fluctuated within a range of ±15 mmHg, (See Table 2), suggesting that HT2 may significantly inhibit the drug-induced hypertension. TABLE 1 Effect of HT2 on hypertension caused by aramine in the rats (mmHg, mean ± SD, n = 6-7) BP after HT2 BP after Aramine BP before 2′ 5′ 10′ 2′ 5′ 10′ Con- 120.0 ± 115.6 ± 117.3 ± 124.1 ± 184.4 ± 179.9 ± 184.0 ± trol  13.8  13.9  8.4  8.9  8.5  6.9  11.8 S. Con-  70.0 ±  65.4 ±  68.0 ±  70.7 ± 115.7 ± 116.0 ± 117.4 ± trol  8.5  8.8  4.8  10.6  11.3  6.2  9.8 D. Pri- 117.3 ±  88.0 ±  84.0 ±  88.2 ± 126.3 ± 127.5 ± 127.7 ± ven.  3.2  5.2**  6.7**  7.7**  16.1**  16.1**  17.3** S. Pri-  68.7 ±  39.7 ±  39.0 ±  43.0 ±  76.2 ±  76.5 ±  77.0 ± ven.  8.8  6.4**  8.7**  8.5**  21.5**  1.9**  22.4** D.

[0241] TABLE 2 Effect of HT2 on hypertension caused by aramine in the rats (mmHg, mean ± SD, n = 6-7) BP after Aramine BP after HT2 BP befoe 2′ 5′ 10′ 2′ 5′ 10′ Con- 127.7 ± 185.9 ± 182.9 ± 186.3 ± 186.7 ± 186.7 ± 191.6 ± trol  12.8  9.0  10.6  13.4  11.7  9.8  14.7 S. Con-  77.9 ± 123.7 ± 125.3 ± 126.1 ± 125.6 ± 129.0 ± 130.7 ± trol  22.8  21.1  21.5  21.5  19.5  19.7  22.9 D. Cu- 123.3 ± 182.7 ± 183.5 ± 181.8 ± 123.7 ± 128.3 ±  10.5 ± rat..  10.1  6.0  5.5  6.4  6.0**  5.2**  4.2** S. Cu-  74.0 ± 121.5 ± 122.2 ± 117.7 ±  73.8 ±  77.0 ±  76.3 ± rat.  15.4  5.5  5.1  9.5  4.9**  9.1**  5.2** D.

[0242] (This study was contracted to and completed by The Pharmacology Laboratory, Guangzhou Municipal Pharmaceutical Industry Institute, 134 Mid-JiangNan Dadao, Gangzhou, Gangdong 510240, China, in November 2000. An original study report is attached behind. HT2 is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

5. EFFECT OF MT1 ON CONVULSION OF SKELETAL MUSCLE CAUSED BY STRYCHNINE

[0243] Abstract

[0244] Effect of MT1 solution on convulsion caused by strychnine nitrate was investigated. The results showed that MT1 solution (20 ml/kg, I.P.) may significantly extend the time span from beginning of the convulsion to death of the animal.

[0245] 1. Materials

[0246] 1-1. Drug to be tested

[0247] MT1 solution (pink), provided by Jia-Jie-Xing Science & Technology Co.,Shengzheng, China.

[0248] 1-2. Main Reagents

[0249] Convulsion-inducing drug: strychnine nitrate, injection of 2 mg/ml, Hefeng Pharmaceutical Co., Shanghai, Lot. 990701, Proper concentration of the drug was prepared just before the study.

[0250] 1-3. Experimental Animal

[0251] NIH mice, provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, Provincial Health Department of Guangdong, Certificate No. 99A030.

[0252] 2. Method & Results

[0253] Half male and female healthy NIH mice with body weight of 20±2 g were selected for the study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups as protective, curative, and control (saline). For the protective group, MT1 (0.2M, 20 mlI/kg, I.P.) was given 0.5 h prior to administration of strychnine (1.5 mg/kg, I.P.). For the curative group, then the same dose of MT1 was given immediately after strychnine administration. In the control group, saline (20 ml/kg, I.P.) was administered 0.5 h before the strychnine. Immediately following the injection of strychnine, convulsion latent period and the time from beginning of convulsion to death of the animal were recorded. The animals showed reducing activities, difficulties in action and toddling after administration of MT1. Two or three min. following the strychnine administration, the animals showed suddenly turning to exciting, running around, and finally leading to rigidly convulsion. (see the attached table)

[0254] The results have demonstrated that MT1 (20 ml/kg, I.P.) may significantly extend the time from beginning of convulsion to death of the animal, induced by the lethal dose of strychnine (100% convulsion-inducing dose, 1.5 mg/kg, I.P.). However, no significant change found in incidence of the convulsion or the death, suggesting MT1 possesses significant antagonistic effect against convulsion caused by strychnine. TABLE Antagonistic effect of MT1 on convulsion caused by the lethal dose of strychnine (mean ± SD, n = 12) The latent Convulsion- Convulsion Death period Death Time Groups n (%) (%) (s) (s) Control 12 100 100 218.3 ± 39.4 10.8 ± 20.9  MT1-C 12 100 100 134.2 ± 31.5 538.3 ± 169.3** MT1-P 12 100 100 183.8 ± 32.6 496.3 ± 285.3**

[0255] (This study was contracted to and completed by the Pharmacology Laboratory, Guanzhou Municipal Pharmnaceutical Industry Institute, 134 Mid-JiangNan Dadao, Gangzhou, Gangddong 510240, China. And an original study report and experiment recordings are attached behind. MT1 is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

ATTACHMENT (2) REFERENCES A BRIEF REVIEW OF CURRENT MEDICATIONS AND THERAPIES FOR ASTHMA

[0256] 1. β₂-agonists

[0257] Stimulation of β₂-receptor on airway smooth muscle results in relaxation of the smooth muscle. They may be used as a principal bronchodilator, especially at times of crisis. However, β₂-agonists remain controversial: regular use of inhaled β₂-agonists is detrimental, leading to the morbidity increased.

[0258] 2. Glucocorticoids

[0259] Multiple effects as the aspects below:

[0260] 1) Modulating inflammation, reducing inflammation and secretion, so that decreasing bronchial hyperresponsiveness and relieving airway obstruction. Many kinds of cells involved in the inflammatory process may be affected, such as lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, microphages, monocytes, mast cells and so on.

[0261] 2) Blocking or reducing of synthesis of many mediators involved in the inflammatory process, such as arachidonic acid and its metabolites, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and many cytokines produced by the wide variety of inflammatory cells.

[0262] 3) Mast cell degranulation may not be affected, so that cortocosteroids inhibit the late asthmatic response following exposure to relevant allergen, while inhibition of the early phase of asthmatic response is minimal, or chronic inhaled treatment may be benefit, but may not complete normalization of bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

[0263] Discontinuation of the treatment will show a rapid disappearance of any beneficial effect. And, steroid resistance may develop in some patients.

[0264] Adverse effects of glucocorticosteroids: long period use may cause problems, such as cardiovascular hypertension, skin thinning, adrenal suppression, growth suppression, delayed sexual maturation, weight gain, cushingoid habitus, diabetes mellitus, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, hperlipidemia, osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis of bone, muscle myopathy, cataracts, glancoma, mood swigs, psychosis and etc.

[0265] 3. Methylxanthines (principally theophylline)

[0266] A well-known concentration-dependent bronchodilator with its history in clinic use over 50 years. Its effect on airway smooth muscle is mainly through inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE).

[0267] Normally, PDE_(3, 4,) are present in airway smooth muscle to catalyze breaking down of cAMP. Theophylline inhibits PDE_(3, 4,) therefore, will increase cAMP concentration in smooth muscle, which turn to open K⁻³⁰ channel, leading to recovery and stabilization of excitable smooth muscle cells following activation, finally resulting airway smooth muscle relaxation. Some studies also suggested that bronchodilation by theophylline may be partly due to stimulation of catecholamine release. Theophylline also possesses anti-inflammatory effects on inflammatory cells via the similar mechanism.

[0268] In addition, it may show some extra-pulmonary effects on diaphragmatic contractility and skeletal muscle. These may be due to its antagonism for adenosine receptor, increasing Ca⁺ influx, and promote Na⁺, K⁺ pump function.

[0269] 4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents

[0270] 1) Cromolyn sodium

[0271] A mast cell membrane stabilizer, it stabilizes mast cells membrane and prevent the release of mediators following antigen challenge. It also inhibits formation of IgE antibody, and may bind to mast cell membranes to inhibit or abolish Ca²⁺ channel activation induced by antigen challenge. Through inhibiting of chloride transport it may affect the functions of the inflammatory cells.

[0272] 2) Nedocromil sodium

[0273] One disodium salt of a pyranoquinolone dicarboxylic acid. It possesses anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting the release of leukotrienes B₄, C₄, PAF, histamine and reducing production of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1.

[0274] 5. Leukotriene synthesis inhibitor

[0275] Leukotriene can induce bronchoconstriction, hypersecretion of mucus and inflammatory cell chemotaxis. Leukotriene synthesis inhibitor may reduce production of leukotrienes.

[0276] 6. Leukotriene receptor antagonists

[0277] 1) Zafirlukast, is the first competitive LTD₄-receptor antagonist approved by FDA for the treatment of chronic asthma.

[0278] 2) Montelukast (Singulair), is a recently approved LTD₄-receptor antagonist for treatment of persistent asthma in both adults and children 6 years of age and elder.

[0279] 7. Lipoxygenase inhibitors

[0280] Lipoxygenase inhibitor compounds that alter the pathophysiological effects of leukotrienes derived from the 5-oxygenation of arachidonic acid (AA), inhibitors of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) Zileuton (Zyflo).

[0281] Orally active, selective and reversible 5-LO (5-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, resulting from the coupling of the n-hydroxy urea moiety of zileuton with the active iron site of 5-LO. It inhibits the bronchoconstriction induced by aspirin, cold and dry air and exercise.

[0282] 8. Others

[0283] A number of drugs with their activity in other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or their immunosuppressive activity have been evaluated in asthma primarily as oral glucocorticoid-sparing agents, but also for patients with glucocorticoid resistance asthma.

[0284] 1) Troleandomycin (TAO), inhibits the metabolism of methylprednisolone but also restores T-cell responsiveness to glucocorticoids in vitro. May lead to hapatocellular damages and hypercholesterolemia.

[0285] 2) Gold or Chrysotherapy, has been used for numerous autoimmune disorders and is approved for the treatment or rheumatoid arthritis, such as Auronofin, an oral formation, has made gold easier to be administered and then potentially more attractive. Gold inhibits the release of histamine and LTD4. Cutaneous eruptions, proteinuria and diarrhea are common after using. So that limited efficacy and high potential for adverse effects make it being used just for occasional a few cases.

[0286] 3) Methotrexate, is an anti-metabolite used for neoplastic diseases that has been found to be effective in low doses for inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. It decreases neutrophil chemotaxis and histamine release from human basophils.

[0287] 4) Cyclosporine, is a cyclic polypeptide used for immunosuppression to prevent rejection in a variety of organ transplants. It inhibits the activation of T-lymphocytes and the release of variety of lymphokines, including IL-2, IL-3, IL-4 and IL-5. It also inhibits the release of histamine and LTD₄ from mast cells. As to side effect, it may cause hypertrichosis.

[0288] 5) Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

[0289] 6) Anticholinergic agents: Iproatropine bromide

[0290] 7) Alternative anti-inflammatory therapy: Macrolide antibiotics

[0291] 8) Colchicine

[0292] 9. Other possible agents

[0293] 1) Agents designed to inhibit the effects of cytokine, including reducing production of the cytokines and/or antagonism against the cytokines such as IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 etc.

[0294] 2) Regulation of IgE synthesis, anti-IgE antibody, cytokines that down-regulate allergic inflammation.

[0295] It is easy to recognize that all of these current medications or therapies for asthma are aimed just at the “pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism”, i.e. the initiating and regulating mechanism of bronchial smooth muscle, including pathogenic causes and their following pathophysiological processes of asthma, whereas put the muscle molecular motor mechanism, i.e. contractile apparatus mechanism for bronchial smooth muscle aside and actually being ignored.

REFERENCES B BRIEF REVIEW OF CURRENT ANTI-HYPERTENSION DRUGS USED IN MEDICAL WORLD

[0296] The physiological control and regulation of blood pressure involve many extreme complicated processes, including neurogenic and humoral mechanisms. Among them, sympathetic (adrenergic nervous) system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system play significant influence with blood pressure. In fact, lots of anti-hypertension drugs are acting through modulating of these two systems, relaxing arterial smooth muscle or reducing blood volume, so as to lower blood pressure.

[0297] According to the sites, on which drugs influence, anti-hypertension drugs may be classified as the following:

[0298] 1. Drugs mainly affect the centers of the adrenergic nervous system, such as Clonidine, α-Methyldopa, and so on, α₂-receptor agonists.

[0299] The drug may bind with α₂-receptors on neuron posterior-membrane at central nervous system, so as to stimulate the inhibitory neurons, resulting in inhibition of peripheral sympathetic activities.

[0300] In addition, α₂-receptor on prior- membrane of the peripheral sympathetic neuron may also be stimulated, reducing release of noradrenaline from the sympathetic terminals.

[0301] 2. Ganglia blockers such as Hexamethonium

[0302] The drugs are antagonists of N₁-cholinergic receptor on neurons in ganglia, so, they may block neuro-transmission at ganglia. Blocking of sympathetic ganglia and result in tremendous decrease in blood pressure. Meanwhile, parasympathetic ganglia may also be blocked, causing many side effects. Therefore, this kind of drugs actually are seldom used in medical practise.

[0303] 3. Peripheral anti-noradrenergic drugs, such as Reserpine, guanethidine, and so on.

[0304] The drug may block the intake process of amines and result in depletion of the neurotransmitters.

[0305] 4. Adrenergic Blockers

[0306] 1) α-receptor blockers such as Prazosin

[0307] 2) β-receptor blockers such as punelol, medolol, nadolol, and so on

[0308] 3) Blockers for both α- and β-receptors such as Labetolol

[0309] 5. Drugs affecting on vasculature smooth muscle such as Hydralazine, Diazoxide, Minoxidil, Sodium Nitroprusside.

[0310] 6. Blockers of Ca²⁺ channel such as Nifedipine, Tetrandrine, and so on.

[0311] 7. Drugs mainly affect blood volume-Diuretics Hydrochlorothiazide.

[0312] 8. Angiotensin I converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI) such as Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril, and so on.

REFERENCES C BRIEF REVIEW OF IN VITRO & IN VIVO STUDIES ABOUT EFFECT OF BDM IN THE ACADEMIC LITERATURE

[0313] BDM, also known as diacetyl monoxime, is a nucleophilic agent, which dephosphrylates acetylcholinesterase poisoned with organophosphates. This “chemical phosphates” activity stimulated studies of the effect of BDM on phosphorylation-dependent cellular processes. As result of these studies, we know that the drug affects a number of mechanisms including muscle contraction, ionic current flow and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, it may be used as a component of cardioplegic solutions since it protects cardiac tissues exposed to certain ischaemic conditions. Meanwhile, diversity of its cellular actions is also being revealed, and continuing to unresolved questions regarding its molecular mechanism. Some of the main aspects about effects of BDM in the literature are listed as below:

[0314] 1. Cholinesterase reactivation

[0315] It may be rapidly absorbed with half-life of 0.09-0.12 h, peak blood concentration of 24.7±0.3 and 38.9±1.7 μg.ml-1 at 10 min. after 20-50 mg/kg, I.M. respectively. Eliminate half-life varied between 3.65±0.12 and 3.8±0.19 h.

[0316] Lack of adverse effect of BDM on blood cholinesterase and other enzymes indicated that doses injected intramuscularly as high as 50 mg/kg, may be safely employed in buffaloes. (Malik J K. et al.: Blood concentrations of 2,3-butanedione monoxime and some blood biochemical changes in Bubalis after intramuscular administration of this cholinesterase reactivator. Veterinary Research Communications 11 (3): 275-80, 1987)

[0317] BDM administered alone to dichlorvos-exposed calves significantly reactivated erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity.

[0318] (Raina R. et al.: the influence of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on dichlorvos-induced enzymatic changes in buffalo calves. Veterinary & Human Toxicology 34 (3): 218-20, June 1992)

[0319] The best uncharged reactivator was 2,3-butanedione monoxime, which produced complete reactivation at 0.3 mM in 2 h of carboxylesterase (CaE) that was inhibited by phosphinates, alkoxy-containing phosphates, and alkoxy-containing phosphonates. (Maxwell D M. et al.: Oxime-induced reactivation of carboxylesterase inhibited by organophosphorus compounds. Chemical Research in Toxicology 7 (3): 428-33, May-June 1994)

[0320] 2. Inhibition of muscle contraction

[0321] 1) Effect on skeletal muscle

[0322] It may be used as a chemical phosphotase causing paralysis of skeletal muscle. Possible mechanisms may be reducing Ca²⁺ release from SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum) at low concentration (2 mM), and direct effect on contractile filaments of the muscle. (Fryer M W. et al.: Paralysis of skeletal muscle by BDM, a chemical phosphatase. European Journal of Physiology 411 (1): 76-9, January 1988)

[0323] Inhibition of skeletal muscle may be due to direct effect of BDM on the myosin molecules. (Higuchi H. et al.: Butanedione monoxime suppresses contraction and ATPase activity of rabbit skeletal muscle. Journal of Biochemistry 105 (4): 638-43, April 1989)

[0324] BDM may block a 4-AP-sensitive potassium conductance in motor nerve terminals, and increase the amplitude of endplate potentials, in this way, to cause muscle paralysis. (Gage P W. et al.: Effects of butanedione monoxime on neuromuscular transmission. British Journal of Pharmacology 100 (3): 467-70, July 1990)

[0325] BDM possesses two major effects on the ATPase. First, it increases the equilibrium constant ofthe cleavage step (K3) from 2 to >10. Second, it slows the kinetics ofthe release of Pi by an order of magnitude (K4; from 0.054 to 0.004 s⁻¹). Whereas the kinetics of the binding of ATP (K) and the release of ADP (K6) were little affected by BDM. (Herrmann C. et al.: Effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on myosin and myofibrillar ATPase—An example for non-competitive inhibitor. Biochemistry 31 (48): 12227-32, Dec. 8, 1992)

[0326] BDM may decrease attachment of cross bridges, resulting in more cross bridges accumulated in the detached state and causing isometric tension and stiffness to decline. Possibly, a thin-filament activation mechanism is also affected by BDM. (Zhao Y. et al.: BDM affects nucleotide binding and force generation steps of the cross-bridge cycle in rabbit psoas muscle fibers. American Journal of Physiology 266 (2 pt 1): C437-47, February 1994)

[0327] BDM showed a significant anticonvulsant effect when it was simultaneously injected (205 mg/kg, I.P.) with picrotoxin (PTX, 3.0 mg/kg) for mice. (Brightman T. et al.: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime protect mice against the convulsant effect of picrotoxin by facilitating GABA-activated currents. Brain Research 678 (1-2): 110-6, Apr. 24, 1995.)

[0328] Skeletal muscle contractive tension may be inhibited by BDM (Regnier M., Chase P B., Martyn D A.: Contractile properties of rabbit psoas muscle fibers inhibited by beryllium fluoride. Journal of Muscle Research & Cell Motility 20 (4): 425-32, May 1999.)

[0329] Addition of BDM and antioxidants (trolox and deferione) to the bathing solutions may improve the preservation of the function, metabolism, and cytoarchitecture of isolated skeletal muscle after cold storage for 16 hr.

[0330] (Van der Heijden E P, Kroese A B., Werker P M., de With M C., de Smet M., Kon M., Bar D P.: Improving the preservation of isolated rat skeletal muscles stored for 16 hours at 4° C. Transplantation 69 (7): 1310-22, Apr. 15, 2000)

[0331] 2) Effect on smooth muscle

[0332] BDM inhibits crossbridge cycling rate in smooth muscle, specially inhibits rapidly cycling crossbridges, has no apparent effect on cycling rate of very slow-cycling or “latch” crossbridges in the tracheal smooth muscle.

[0333] (Packer C S. et al.: The effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) on smooth muscle mechanical properties. European Journal of Physiology 412 (6): 659-64, October 1988) Isolated calcium channel currents and/or calcium channel currents in single cells and K⁺ contractures in intact strips may be blocked by BDM. (Lang R J. et al.: Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on whole-cell Ca²⁺ channel currents in single cells of guinea-pig taenia caeci. Journal of Physiology 433: 1-24, February 1991)

[0334] BDM inhibits myosin light chain phosphorylation, directly decreases force generation at the crossbridge level and inhibits the Ca² translocation in smooth muscle. (Osterman A. et al.: Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on activation of contraction and crossbridge kinetics in intact and chemically skinned smooth muscle fibres from guinea pig taenia coli. Journal of Muscle Research & Cell Motility 14 (2): 186-94, April 1993)

[0335] In the intact taenia coli, BDM depresses the tonic phase of the tetanus, contractures evoked by high potassium (90 mM) and by carbachol (10⁻⁵M). In the electrically stimulated intact taenia coli, BDM (0-20 mM) caused a proportional inhibition of tetanic force output, myosin light chain phosphorylation and high-energy phosphate usage. At 20 mM BDM, force and energy usage fell to near zero and the degree of myosin light chain phosphorylation decreased to resting values, indicating a shut-down of both force-dependent and force independent energy usage at high concentrations of BDM. (Siegman M J. et al.: Comparison of the effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on force production, myosin light chain phosphorylation and chemical energy usage in intact and permeabilized smooth and skeletal muscles. Journal of Muscle Research & Cell Motility 15 (4): 457-72, August 1994)

[0336] BDM reduces, in a dose-dependent manner, the force of the spontaneous motility and the contractions induced by acetylcholine, bethanechol and electrical stimulation. (Lizarraga I. et al.: Effect of butanedione monoxime on the contractility of guinea pig ileum and on the electrophysiological activity of myenteric S-type neurones. Neuroscience Letters 246 (2): 105-8, Apr. 24, 1998)

[0337] 3) Effect on myocardium

[0338] Cardioplegia with 2,3-butanedione monoxime protects human left ventricular myocardium from dissection injury facilitating dissection and preservation of strip preparations with extraordinary low cross-sectional area and high peak twitch tension. (Mulieri L A. et al.: Protection of human left ventricular myocardium from cutting injury with 2,3-butanedione monoxime. Circulation Research 65 (5): 1441-9, November 1989)

[0339] BDM affects both calcium availability and responsiveness of the myofilaments to Ca²⁺, therefore alter myosin crossbridge kinetics of mammalian myocardium. (Gwathmey J K. et al.: Contractile deactivation and uncoupling of crossbridges. Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on mammalian myocardium. Circulation Research 69 (5): 1280-92, November 1991) Selective intracoronary infusion of BDM at doses may inhibit regional wall motion, decrease infarction size after reperfusion. (Garcia-Dorado D. et al.: Selective inhibition of the contractile apparatus. A new approach to modification of infarct size, infarct composition, and infarct geometry during coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. Circulation 85 (3): 1160-74, March 1992) 5 mM BDM predominantly affects cross-bridge force production and Ca²⁺ sensitivity and has a less pronounced effect on Ca₁ ²⁺. (Perreault C L. et al.: Cellular basis of negative inotropic effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime in human myocardium. American Journal of Physiology 263 (2 pt 2): H503-10, August 1992)

[0340] Relatively low concentrations of 2,3-butanedione monoxime, given before global ischemia and early during reperfusion of isolated hearts, can protect against dysrhythmias and improve return of myocardial and vascular function. (Boban M. et al.: Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime in isolated hearts: protection during reperfusion after global ischemia. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery 105 (3): 532-40, March 1993) Low temperature exposure of the isolated hearts is important for BDM to exert its beneficial effect of protective action. (Hebisch S. et al.: Influence of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on heart energy metabolism. Basic Research in Cardiology 88 (6): 566-75, November-December 1993)

[0341] BDM reduces the isometric force development of the electrically driven isolated human myocardial muscle strip in a dose-dependent way. (Vahl CF. et al.: Reversible desensitization of the myocardial contractile apparatus for calcium. A new concept for improving tolerance to cold ischemia in human myocardium? European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 8 (7): 370-8, 1994.

[0342] The excitation-contraction uncoupler, BDM may reduce hypertrophy in high density spontaneously contracting serum-free cardiomyocytes. (Lubic SP. et al.: The effects of modulation of calcium influx through the voltage-sensitive calcium channel on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Journal of Molecular & Cellular Cardiology 27 (3): 917-25, March 1995)

[0343] Myocardium protecting effect of BDM may act through modulation of myocarium intracellular calcium transients or alteration in sensitivity to calcium. (Dorman B H. et al.: Preservation of myocyte contractile function after hypothermic, hyperkalemic cardioplegic arrest with 2,3-butanedione monoxime. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery 111 (3): 621-9, March 1996)

[0344] BDM affects the phosphorylation state of TnI and PLB not directly, but via activation of their phophotases. (Zimmermann N. et al.: Mechanisms of the contractile effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime in the mammalian heart. Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology 354 (4): 431-6, October 1996)

[0345] BDM produces reversible modification of the cardiac calcium channel protein leading to an expected reduction in amplitude of the expressed currents. (Eisfeld J. et al.: Inhibition of cloned human L-type cardiac calcium channel by 2,3-butanedione monoxime does not require PKA-dependent phosphorylation sites. Biochemical & Biophysical Research Communications 230 (3): 489-92, January 1997)

[0346] BDM promotes voltage-dependent inactivation of L-type Ca²⁺ channels in parallel with charge interconversion between intramembranous charges 1 and 2. Mechanically they are consistent either with dephosphorylation or a dihydropyridine-like action in guinea pig heart. (Ferreira G. et al.: Butanedione monoxime promotes voltage-dependent inactivation of L-type calcium channels in heart. Effects on gating currents. Journal of Molecular & Cellular Cardiology 29 (2): 777-87, February 1997)

[0347] BDM may act by stimulating Ca-induced Ca release. (Adams W. et al.: 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) decreases sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca content by stimulating Ca release in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. European Journal of Physiology 436 (5): 776-81, October 1998)

[0348] BDM is effective in protecting the myocardium with ameliorated myocardial edema and atrioventricular conduction delay after reperfusion. (Jayawant A M., Stephenson E R Jr., Damiano R J Jr.: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime cardioplegia: advantages over hyperkalemia in blood-perfused isolated hearts. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 67 (3): 618-23, March 1999)

[0349] BDM exerts negative inotropic activity by reducing the number of force-generating cross-bridges, possibly by increasing the cross-bridge detachment rate as well as by reducing force generation per cross-bridge in human myocardium. (Brixius K., Schwinger R H.: Modulation of cross-bridge interaction by 2,3-butanedione monoxime in human ventricular myocardium. Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology. 361 (4): 440-4, April 2000)

[0350] 4) Vasodilation

[0351] BDM suppresses contraction of the portal vein mainly by the inhibition of voltage-dependent cytosolic Ca²⁺ transients. Also suppresses the force-enhancing effect of α1-adrenergic agents on the contractile elements. (Watanabe M. et al.: Effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on smooth muscle contraction of guinea pig portal vein. European Journal of physiology 425 (5-6): 462-8, December 1993)

[0352] BDM can enhance preservation of coronary artery endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation during myocardial ischemia in the isolated rat heart. (Cartier R. et al.: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime preserves coronary artery endothelium-dependent relaxation during myocardial ischemia in the isolated rat heart. Canadian Journal of Cardiology 11 (6): 505-10, June 1995). Both the decreased coronary flow elicited by 0.5 nM ET-1 in isolated guinea pig hearts, and the constricted guinea pig vascular rings induced by 20 nM ET-1, may be restored by BDM. (Stowe D F. et al.: Reversal of endothelin-induced vasoconstriction by endothelin-dependent and -independent vasodilators in isolated hearts and vascular rings. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 29 (6): 747-54, June 1997)

[0353] BDM may increase coronary flow but not increase NO release. (Fujita S. et al.: Effects of vasodilators and perfusion pressure on coronary flow and simultaneous release of nitric oxide from guinea pig isolated hearts. Cardiovascular Research 38 (3): 655-67, June 1998)

[0354] The University of Wisconsin solution appears capable of lung preservation for up to 24 hours if modified to contain calcium and BDM. The mechanism of the BDM effect may be related to the suppression of smooth muscle contraction resulting in vasodilatation of the cold-stored lung on reperfusion. (Lopukhin S Y. et al.: University of Wisconsin solution with butanedione monoxime and calcium improves rat lung preservation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 67 (1): 203-7, January 1999)

[0355] 5) Antagonism for cardiac sympathetic stimulation

[0356] Cardiac responses induced by sympathetic stimulation (9v, 6 Hz, 40 sec) may be blocked by BDM. (Kudo T. et al.: Cardiac sympathetic stimulation increases cardiac contractility but decreases contractile efficiency in canine hearts in vivo. Japanese Circulation Journal 62 (12): 925-32, December 1998).

[0357] 6) Effect on other tissues

[0358] Acute BDM treatment produces a rapid, reversible block of K⁺ current with half block at about 5 mM. In contrast, preincubation of intact cells briefly in 5 mM BDM before measuring may reduce the K⁺ current in an irreversible manner in human T lymphocytes. (Schlichter L C. et al.: Dual action of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) on K⁺ current in human T lymphocytes. Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics 261 (2): 438-46, May 1992).

[0359] 4) Effect of SPL-A was similar to that of aminopphylline at the time points after administration of the two tested drugs.

[0360] 5) Both SPL-A and aminophylline possess relaxing effect on contracted bronchial smooth muscle.

[0361] (This study was contracted to and completed by Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tongji Medical University, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China, in September 1999, an original study report is attached behind. SPL-A is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

3. EFFECT OF SPL-C ON ISOLATED COLON SMOOTH MUSCLE OF GUINEA PIG

[0362] Abstract

[0363] Effect of SPL-C on isolated colon smooth muscle of guinea pig was investigated in the study. The result showed that SPL-C (20 ml/L nutritious solution) possesses significant inhibition of isolated colon smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂.

[0364] Materials

[0365] 1-1. Experimental Reagents: SPL-C (0.2M, pink solution), provided by Jia-Jie-Xing Science & Technology Co., Shengzheng, China, Lot. 20000720

[0366] 1-2. Main Reagents

[0367] Smooth muscle stimulator: barium chloride (BaCl₂) A.R, product of Guangzhou Chemical Reagent Factory Lot. No. 20000301-2.

[0368] 1-3. Experimental Animal

[0369] Guinea pig, provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, First Military Medical University, certificate No. 99A047

[0370] 1-4. Instrument

[0371] Type DC-001 Organ Bath, Nanjing Analytical Instruments Co., China.

[0372] 2. Method & Result

[0373] Healthy guinea pigs, half male and female, with body weight of 240±20 g, were selected for the study. No feeding for 24 h before the experiment. Following sacrifice of the animal by hitting the head, the abdomen was rapidly opened and the colon was isolated within Botting solution. A segment of the colon, 2 cm in length was taken to mount on the equipment with one end connected to a force transducer, the other end fixed on the bottom of the organ bath containing of oxygenated nutritious solution at 37° C.

[0374] The animals were divided as test group and control (placebo) group. BaCl₂ (0.67 g/L. nutritious solution) was added into the water bath to induce smooth muscle contraction of the colon before administration of SPL-C or distilled water, repeating the same procedures and measuring the contraction force for times until a stable amplitude of the contraction reached. Following times of washing then, SPL-C(0.2M, 20 ml/L nutritious sol.) or same amount of distilled water was added separately, 10 min afterwards, same dose of BaCl₂ was added into the water bath again, to observe effect of SPL-C or distilled water on the colon smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂. The contraction force before and after administration of SPL-C or distilled water was recorded, and a contraction rate was calculated as the formula below:

Contraction Rate (%)=[(F _(c) after the drug)/(F _(c) before the drug)]×100%

[0375] Where F_(c) is force of the smooth muscle contraction Paired group “t” test was made to compare contraction force after SPL-C and distilled water to determine that if there is significant difference between the two groups. The result was listed as below: Con- Be- 2.05 2.70 1.95 3.10 1.70 2.60 2.40 trol fore (g) After 2.00 2.85 2.00 3.10 1.65 2.80 2.35 (g) Rate 97.5 105.5 102.6 100.0 97.1 107.7 97.9 (%) Mean ± SD: 101.2 ± 4.2% Test Be- 2.35 2.30 2.35 2.30 2.45 2.70 2.90 fore (g) After 1.70 1.35 1.45 1.75 1.70 1.75 2.20 (g) Rate 72.3 58.7 61.7 76.1 69.4 64.8 75.9 (%) Mean ± SD: 68.4 ± 6.9%

[0376] The result showed that the contraction rate after SPL-C was 68.4±6.9%, significantly less than 101.2±4.2%, that value of control group (P<0.01).

[0377] It suggests that SPL-C possesses significant relaxing effect on the colon smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂ in guinea pigs.

[0378] (This study was contracted to and completed by The Pharmacology Laboratory, Guangzhou Municipal Pharmaceutical Industry Institute 134 Mid-JiangNan Dadao, Gangzhou, Gangdong 510240, China. An original study report is attached behind. SPL-C is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

4. EFFECT OF HT2 ON HYPERTENSION INDUCED BY ARAMINE IN THE RATS

[0379] Abstract

[0380] Effect of HT2 on hypertension induced by aramine was studied. The result showed that preventive administration: HT2 solution (10 mg/kg) may effectively antagonize the increase in blood pressure induced by aramine; Curative administration: HT2 solution (10 mg/kg) may significantly inhibit the hypertension induced by aramine.

[0381] 1. Materials

[0382] 1-1. Drug to be tested: HT2 solution (clear, translucent), provided by Jia-Jie-Xing Science & Technology Co.,Shengzheng, China Lot.No.20001023)

[0383] 1-2. Reagents

[0384] Hypertension-inducing drug: aramine (metaraminol bitartrate) injection, 10 mg/ml Yonkang Pharmaceutical Co., Beijing, Lot.20000923. Proper concentration was prepared just before the experiment.

[0385] Urethan (ethyl carbamate), C.P. Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China Medicine (Groups), Lot. 20000309

[0386] 1-3. Experimental animal

[0387] SD rats, provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, First Military Medical University, Certificate No. 99A046

[0388] 1-4. Experimental instruments

[0389] RMP-6000M Eight Channel Physiology Recorder (made in Japan)

[0390] 2. Method & Result

[0391] Half male and female healthy SD rats with body weight of 200-250 g were selected for the study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups as control, preventive, and curative, 6 rats in each group. Each rat in the groups was anesthetized with urethan (1.4 g/kg, I.P.), then the main cervical artery was exposed and cannulated, arterial blood pressure was monitored via the tube during the experiment. 30 min stabilization was taken after the operation, and curves of normal blood pressure were recorded before testing the drugs.

[0392] 2-1. Prevention test

[0393] HT2 (10 ml/kg, I.P.) was administered for each rat in test group, whereas the same amount of saline was given for each rat in control group. Curves of the blood pressure were recorded at 2, 5, and 10 min. after the administration of HT2 or saline. Then aramine injection (30 μg/ml, 0.4 ml/min.I.V.drop) was given for each of the rats, and the curves of the blood pressure were recorded at 2, 5, and 10 min. after aramine, to determine effect of HT2 on hypertension induced by aramine.

[0394] The results showed that 1 min. after HT2 was given, the blood pressure was apparently decreased, and down to the lowest level by 5 min. after HT2 (decreasing amplitude of SBP/DBP was 133/30 mmHg). For control group, the blood pressure was fluctuated within a range of ±15 mmHg after saline given. Ten minutes later, aramine was administered, the blood pressure was raised back immediately, in average, SBP/DBP were increased by 39/34 mmHg. For control group, the blood pressure was raised instantly as well, in average, SBP/DBP were up to 59/46 mmHg within 10 min. after aramine, (see Table 1.), suggesting that HT2 may effectively antogonize the drug-induced hypertension.

[0395] 2-2. Curative test

[0396] Aramine was administered to each of the animals, causing an increase in blood pressure by about 60 mmHg, and waiting for 10 min stabilization. Then HT2 or saline was given, curves of the blood pressure were recorded at 2, 5, and 10 min. after administration of HT2 or saline to determine effect of HT2 on the aramine-induced hypertension.

[0397] The results showed that the blood pressure was significantly decreased at 1 min, and down to the lowest level at 2 min. after administration of HT2 (decreasing amplitude: 58/44 mmHg). In average, SBP/DBP were decreased by 54/42 mmHg within 10 min. Whereas the increased blood pressure of the rats in control group just fluctuated within a range of ±15 mmHg, (See Table 2), suggesting that HT2 may significantly inhibit the drug-induced hypertension. TABLE 1 Effect of HT2 on hypertension caused by aramine in the rats (mmHg, mean ± SD, n = 6-7) BP after HT2 BP after aramine Group BP before 2′ 5′ 10′ 2′ 5′ 10′ Control S. 120.0 ± 13.8 115.6 ± 13.9 117.3 ± 8.4 124.1 ± 8.9 184.4 ± 8.5 179.9 ± 6.9 184.0 ± 11.8 D.  70.0 ± 8.5  65.4 ± 8.8  68.0 ± 4.8  70.7 ± 10.6 115.7 ± 11.3 116.0 ± 6.2 117.4 ± 9.8 Priven. S. 117.3 ± 3.2  88.0 ± 5.2**  84.0 ± 6.7**  88.2 ± 7.7** 126.3 ± 16.1** 127.5 ± 16.1** 127.7 ± 17.3** D.  68.7 ± 8.8  39.7 ± 6.4**  39.0 ± 8.7.**  43.0 ± 8.5**  76.2 ± 21.5**  76.5 ± 11.9**  77.0 ± 22.4**

[0398] TABLE 2 Effect of HT2 on hypertension caused by aramine in the rats (mmHg, mean ± SD, n = 6-7) BP after aramine BP after HT2 Group BP before 2′ 5′ 10′ 2′ 5′ 10′ Control S. 127.7 ± 12.8 185.9 ± 9.0 182.9 ± 10.6 186.3 ± 13.4 186.7 ± 11.7 186.7 ± 9.8 191.6 ± 14.7 D.  77.9 ± 22.8 123.7 ± 21.1 125.3 ± 21.5 126.1 ± 21.5 125.6 ± 19.5 129.0 ± 19.7 130.7 ± 22.9 Curat. S. 123.3 ± 10.1 182.7 ± 6.0 183.5 ± 5.5 181.8 ± 6.4 123.7 ± 6.0** 128.3 ± 5.2** 130.5 ± 4.2** D.  74.0 ± 15.4 121.5 ± 5.5 122.2 ± 5.1 117.7 ± 9.5  73.8 ± 4.9**  77.0 ± 9.1**  76.3 ± 5.2**

[0399] (This study was contracted to and completed by The Pharmacology Laboratory, Guangzhou Municipal Pharmaceutical Industry Institute, 134 Mid-JiangNan Dadao, Gangzhou, Gangdong 510240, China, in November 2000. An original study report is attached behind. HT2 is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

5. EFFECT OF MT1 ON CONVULSION OF SKELETAL MUSCLE CAUSED BY STRYCHINE

[0400] Abstract

[0401] Effect of MT1 solution on convulsion caused by strychnine nitrate was investigated. The results showed that MT1 solution (20 ml/kg, I.P.) may significantly extend the time span from beginning of the convulsion to death of the animal.

[0402] 1. Materials

[0403] 1-1. Drug to be tested

[0404] MT1 solution (pink), provided by Jia-Jie-Xing Science & Technology Co.,Shengzheng, China.

[0405] 1-2. Main Reagents

[0406] Convulsion-inducing drug: strychnine nitrate, injection of 2 mg/ml, Hefeng Pharmaceutical Co., Shanghai, Lot. 990701, Proper concentration of the drug was prepared just before the study.

[0407] 1-3. Experimental Animal

[0408] NIH mice, provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, Provincial Health Department of Guangdong, Certificate No. 99A030.

[0409] 2. Method & Results

[0410] Half male and female healthy NIH mice with body weight of 20±2 g were selected for the study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups as protective, curative, and control (saline). For the protective group, MT1 (0.2M, 20 ml/kg, I.P.) was given 0.5 h prior to administration of strychnine (1.5 mg/kg, I.P.). For the curative group, then the same dose of MT1 was given immediately after strychnine administration. In the control group, saline (20 ml/kg, I.P.) was administered 0.5 h before the strychnine. Immediately following the injection of strychnine, convulsion latent period and the time from beginning of convulsion to death of the animal were recorded. The animals showed reducing activities, difficulties in action and toddling after administration of MT1. Two or three min. following the strychnine administration, the animals showed suddenly turning to exciting, running around, and finally leading to rigidly convulsion. (see the attached table)

[0411] The results have demonstrated that MT1 (20 ml/kg, I.P.) may significantly extend the time from beginning of convulsion to death of the animal, induced by the lethal dose of strychnine (100% convulsion-inducing dose, 1.5 mg/kg, I.P.). However, no significant change found in incidence of the convulsion or the death, suggesting MT1 possesses significant antagonistic effect against convulsion caused by strychnine. TABLE Antagonistic effect of MT1 on convulsion caused by the lethal dose of strychnine (mean ± SD, n = 12) The latent Convulsion- Convulsion Death period Death Time Groups n (%) (%) (s) (s) Control 12 100 100 218.3 ± 39.4 10.8 ± 20.9  MT1-C 12 100 100 134.2 ± 31.5 538.3 ± 169.3** MT1-P 12 100 100 183.8 ± 32.6 496.3 ± 285.3**

[0412] (This study was contracted to and completed by the Pharmacology Laboratory, Guanzhou Municipal Pharmaceutical Industry Institute, 134 Mid-JiangNan Dadao, Gangzhou, Gangddong 510240, China. And an original study report and experiment recordings are attached behind. MT 1 is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

ATTACHMENT (2) REFERENCES A BRIEF REVIEW OF CURRENT MEDICATIONS AND THERAPIES FOR ASTHMA

[0413] 1. β₂-agonists

[0414] Stimulation of β₂-receptor on airway smooth muscle results in relaxation of the smooth muscle. They may be used as a principal bronchodilator, especially at times of crisis. However, β₂-agonists remain controversial: regular use of inhaled β₂-agonists is detrimental, leading to the morbidity increased.

[0415] 2. Glucocorticoids

[0416] Multiple effects as the aspects below

[0417] 1) Modulating inflammation, reducing inflammation and secretion, so that decreasing bronchial hyperresponsiveness and relieving airway obstruction. Many kinds of cells involved in the inflammatory process may be affected, such as lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, microphages, monocytes, mast cells and so on.

[0418] 2) Blocking or reducing of synthesis of many mediators involved in the inflammatory process, such as arachidonic acid and its metabolites, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and many cytokines produced by the wide variety of inflammatory cells.

[0419] 3) Mast cell degranulation may not be affected, so that cortocosteroids inhibit the late asthmatic response following exposure to relevant allergen, while inhibition of the early phase of asthmatic response is minimal, or chronic inhaled treatment may be benefit, but may not complete normalization of bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

[0420] Discontinuation of the treatment will show a rapid disappearance of any beneficial effect. And, steroid resistance may develop in some patients.

[0421] Adverse effects of glucocorticosteroids: long period use may cause problems, such as cardiovascular hypertension, skin thinning, adrenal suppression, growth suppression, delayed sexual maturation, weight gain, cushingoid habitus, diabetes mellitus, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, hperlipidemia, osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis of bone, muscle myopathy, cataracts, glancoma, mood swigs, psychosis and etc.

[0422] 3. Methylxanthines (principally theophylline)

[0423] A well-known concentration-dependent bronchodilator with its history in clinic use over 50 years. Its effect on airway smooth muscle is mainly through inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE).

[0424] Normally, PDE_(3, 4,) are present in airway smooth muscle to catalyze breaking down of cAMP. Theophylline inhibits PDE_(3, 4,) therefore, will increase cAMP concentration in smooth muscle, which turn to open K⁺ channel, leading to recovery and stabilization of excitable smooth muscle cells following activation, finally resulting airway smooth muscle relaxation. Some studies also suggested that bronchodilation by theophylline may be partly due to stimulation of catecholamine release. Theophylline also possesses anti-inflammatory effects on inflammatory cells via the similar mechanism.

[0425] In addition, it may show some extra-pulmonary effects on diaphragmatic contractility and skeletal muscle. These may be due to its antagonism for adenosine receptor, increasing Ca²⁺ influx, and promote Na⁺, K⁺ pump function.

[0426] 4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents

[0427] 1) Cromolyn sodium

[0428] A mast cell membrane stabilizer, it stabilizes mast cells membrane and prevent the release of mediators following antigen challenge. It also inhibits formation of IgE antibody, and may bind to mast cell membranes to inhibit or abolish Ca²⁺ channel activation induced by antigen challenge. Through inhibiting of chloride transport it may affect the functions of the inflammatory cells.

[0429] 2) Nedocromil sodium

[0430] One disodium salt of a pyranoquinolone dicarboxylic acid. It possesses anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting the release of leukotrienes B₄, C₄, PAF, histamine and reducing production of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1.

[0431] 5. Leukotriene synthesis inhibitor

[0432] Leukotriene can induce bronchoconstriction, hypersecretion of mucus and inflammatory cell chemotaxis. Leukotriene synthesis inhibitor may reduce production of leukotrienes.

[0433] 6. Leukotriene receptor antagonists

[0434] 1) Zafirlukast, is the first competitive LTD₄-receptor antagonist approved by FDA for the treatment of chronic asthma.

[0435] 2) Montelukast (Singulair), is a recently approved LTD₄-receptor antagonist for treatment of persistent asthma in both adults and children 6 years of age and elder.

[0436] 7. Lipoxygenase inhibitors

[0437] Lipoxygenase inhibitor compounds that alter the pathophysiological effects of leukotrienes derived from the 5-oxygenation of arachidonic acid (AA), inhibitors of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) Zileuton (Zyflo).

[0438] Orally active, selective and reversible 5-LO (5-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, resulting from the coupling of the n-hydroxy urea moiety of zileuton with the active iron site of 5-LO. It inhibits the bronchoconstriction induced by aspirin, cold and dry air and exercise.

[0439] 8. Others

[0440] A number of drugs with their activity in other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or their immunosuppressive activity have been evaluated in asthma primarily as oral glucocorticoid-sparing agents, but also for patients with glucocorticoid resistance asthma.

[0441] 1) Troleandomycin (TAO), inhibits the metabolism of methylprednisolone but also restores T-cell responsiveness to glucocorticoids in vitro. May lead to hapatocellular damages and hypercholesterolemia.

[0442] 2) Gold or Chrysotherapy, has been used for numerous autoimmune disorders and is approved for the treatment or rheumatoid arthritis, such as Auronofin, an oral formation, has made gold easier to be administered and then potentially more attractive. Gold inhibits the release of histamine and LTD4. Cutaneous eruptions, proteinuria and diarrhea are common after using. So that limited efficacy and high potential for adverse effects make it being used just for occasional a few cases.

[0443] 3) Methotrexate, is an anti-metabolite used for neoplastic diseases that has been found to be effective in low doses for inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. It decreases neutrophil chemotaxis and histamine release from human basophils.

[0444] 4) Cyclosporine, is a cyclic polypeptide used for immunosuppression to prevent rejection in a variety of organ transplants. It inhibits the activation of T-lymphocytes and the release of variety of lymphokines, including IL-2, IL-3, IL-4 and IL-5. It also inhibits the release of histamine and LTD₄ from mast cells. As to side effect, it may cause hypertrichosis.

[0445] 5) Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

[0446] 6) Anticholinergic agents: Iproatropine bromide

[0447] 7) Alternative anti-inflammatory therapy: Macrolide antibiotics

[0448] 8) Colchicine

[0449] 9. Other possible agents

[0450] 1) Agents designed to inhibit the effects of cytokine, including reducing production of the cytokines and/or antagonism against the cytokines such as IL-1, IL-4, IL-S, and IL-13 etc.

[0451] 2) Regulation of IgE synthesis, anti-IgE antibody, cytokines that down-regulate allergic inflammation.

[0452] It is easy to recognize that all of these current medications or therapies for asthma are aimed just at the “pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism”, i.e. the initiating and regulating mechanism of bronchial smooth muscle, including pathogenic causes and their following pathophysiological processes of asthma, whereas put the muscle molecular motor mechanism, i.e. contractile apparatus mechanism for bronchial smooth muscle aside and actually being ignored.

REFERENCES B BRIEF REVIEW OF CURRENT ANTI-HYPERTENSION DRUGS USED IN MEDICAL WORLD

[0453] The physiological control and regulation of blood pressure involve many extreme complicated processes, including neurogenic and humoral mechanisms. Among them, sympathetic (adrenergic nervous) system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system play significant influence with blood pressure. In fact, lots of anti-hypertension drugs are acting through modulating of these two systems, relaxing arterial smooth muscle or reducing blood volume, so as to lower blood pressure.

[0454] According to the sites, on which drugs influence, anti-hypertension drugs may be classified as the following:

[0455] 1. Drugs mainly affect the centers of the adrenergic nervous system, such as Clonidine, α-Methyldopa, and so on, α₂-receptor agonists.

[0456] The drug may bind with α₂-receptors on neuron posterior-membrane at central nervous system, so as to stimulate the inhibitory neurons, resulting in inhibition of peripheral sympathetic activities.

[0457] In addition, α₂-receptor on prior- membrane of the peripheral sympathetic neuron may also be stimulated, reducing release of noradrenaline from the sympathetic terminals.

[0458] 2. Ganglia blockers such as Hexamethonium

[0459] The drugs are antagonists of N₁-cholinergic receptor on neurons in ganglia, so, they may block neuro-transmission at ganglia. Blocking of sympathetic ganglia and result in tremendous decrease in blood pressure. Meanwhile, parasympathetic ganglia may also be blocked, causing many side effects. Therefore, this kind of drugs actually are seldom used in medical practise.

[0460] 3. Peripheral anti-noradrenergic drugs, such as Reserpine, guanethidine, and so on.

[0461] The drug may block the intake process of amines and result in depletion of the neurotransmitters.

[0462] 4. Adrenergic Blockers

[0463] 1) α-receptor blockers such as Prazosin

[0464] 2) β-receptor blockers such as punelol, medolol, nadolol, and so on

[0465] 3) Blockers for both α- and β-receptors such as Labetolol

[0466] 5. Drugs affecting on vasculature smooth muscle such as Hydralazine, Diazoxide, Minoxidil, Sodium Nitroprusside

[0467] 6. Blockers of Ca²⁺ channel such as Nifedipine, Tetrandrine, and so on.

[0468] 7. Drugs mainly affect blood volume-Diuretics Hydrochlorothiazide

[0469] 8. Angiotensin I converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI) such as Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril, and so on.

REFERENCES C BRIEF REVIEW OF IN VITRO & IN VIVO STUDIES ABOUT EFFECT OF BDM IN THE ACADEMIC LITERATURE

[0470] BDM, also known as diacetyl monoxime, is a nucleophilic agent, which dephosphrylates acetylcholinesterase poisoned with organophosphates. This “chemical phosphates” activity stimulated studies of the effect of BDM on phosphorylation-dependent cellular processes. As result of these studies, we know that the drug affects a number of mechanisms including muscle contraction, ionic current flow and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, it may be used as a component of cardioplegic solutions since it protects cardiac tissues exposed to certain ischaemic conditions. Meanwhile, diversity of its cellular actions is also being revealed, and continuing to unresolved questions regarding its molecular mechanism. Some of the main aspects about effects of BDM in the literature are listed as below:

[0471] 1. Cholinesterase reactivation

[0472] It may be rapidly absorbed with half-life of 0.09-0.12 h, peak blood concentration of 24.7±0.3 and 38.9±1.7 μg·ml-1 at 10 min. after 20-50 mg/kg, I.M. respectively. Eliminate half-life varied between 3.65±0.12 and 3.8±0.19 h.

[0473] Lack of adverse effect of BDM on blood cholinesterase and other enzymes indicated that doses injected intramuscularly as high as 50 mg/kg, may be safely employed in buffaloes.

[0474] (Malik J K. et al.: Blood concentrations of 2,3-butanedione monoxime and some blood biochemical changes in Bubalis after intramuscular administration of this cholinesterase reactivator. Veterinary Research Communications 11 (3): 275-80, 1987)

[0475] BDM administered alone to dichlorvos-exposed calves significantly reactivated erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity.

[0476] (Raina R. et al.: the influence of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on dichiorvos-induced enzymatic changes in buffalo calves. Veterinary & Human Toxicology 34 (3): 218-20, June 1992)

[0477] The best uncharged reactivator was 2,3-butanedione monoxime, which produced complete reactivation at 0.3 mM in 2 h of carboxylesterase (CaE) that was inhibited by phosphinates, alkoxy-containing phosphates, and alkoxy-containing phosphonates.

[0478] (Maxwell D M. et al.: Oxime-induced reactivation of carboxylesterase inhibited by organophosphorus compounds. Chemical Research in Toxicology 7 (3): 428-33, May-June 1994)

[0479] 2. Inhibition of muscle contraction

[0480] 1) Effect on skeletal muscle

[0481] It may be used as a chemical phosphotase causing paralysis of skeletal muscle. Possible mechanisms may be reducing Ca²⁺ release from SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum) at low concentration (2 mM), and direct effect on contractile filaments of the muscle.

[0482] (Fryer M W. et al.: Paralysis of skeletal muscle by BDM, a chemical phosphatase. European Journal of Physiology 411 (1): 76-9, January 1988)

[0483] Inhibition of skeletal muscle may be due to direct effect of BDM on the myosin molecules.

[0484] (Higuchi H. et al.: Butanedione monoxime suppresses contraction and ATPase activity of rabbit skeletal muscle. Journal of Biochemistry 105 (4): 638-43, April 1989)

[0485] BDM may block a 4-AP-sensitive potassium conductance in motor nerve terminals, and increase the amplitude of endplate potentials, in this way, to cause muscle paralysis.

[0486] (Gage P W. et al.: Effects of butanedione monoxime on neuromuscular transmission. British Journal of Pharmacology 100 (3): 467-70, July 1990)

[0487] BDM possesses two major effects on the ATPase. First, it increases the equilibrium constant of the cleavage step (K3) from 2 to >10. Second, it slows the kinetics of the release of Pi by an order of magnitude (K4; from 0.054 to 0.004 s⁻¹). Whereas the kinetics of the binding of ATP (K) and the release of ADP (K6) were little affected by BDM.

[0488] (Herrmann C. et al.: Effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on myosin and myofibrillar ATPase—An example for non-competitive inhibitor. Biochemistry 31 (48): 12227-32, Dec. 8, 1992)

[0489] BDM may decrease attachment of cross bridges, resulting in more cross bridges accumulated in the detached state and causing isometric tension and stiffness to decline. Possibly, a thin-filament activation mechanism is also affected by BDM.

[0490] (Zhao Y. et al.: BDM affects nucleotide binding and force generation steps of the cross-bridge cycle in rabbit psoas muscle fibers. American Journal of Physiology 266 (2 pt 1): C437-47, February 1994)

[0491] BDM showed a significant anticonvulsant effect when it was simultaneously injected (205 mg/kg, I.P.) with picrotoxin (PTX, 3.0 mg/kg) for mice.

[0492] (Brightman T. et al.: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime protect mice against the convulsant effect of picrotoxin by facilitating GABA-activated currents. Brain Research 678 (1-2): 110-6, Apr. 24, 1995.)

[0493] Skeletal muscle contractive tension may be inhibited by BDM

[0494] (Regnier M., Chase P B., Martyn D A.: Contractile properties of rabbit psoas muscle fibers inhibited by beryllium fluoride. Journal of Muscle Research & Cell Motility 20 (4): 425-32, May 1999.)

[0495] Addition of BDM and antioxidants (trolox and deferione) to the bathing solutions may improve the preservation of the function, metabolism, and cytoarchitecture of isolated skeletal muscle after cold storage for 16 hr.

[0496] (Van der Heij den E P, Kroese A B., Werker P M., de With M C., de Smet M., Kon M., Bar D P.: Improving the preservation of isolated rat skeletal muscles stored for 16 hours at 4° C. Transplantation 69 (7): 1310-22, Apr. 15, 2000)

[0497] 2) Effect on smooth muscle

[0498] BDM inhibits crossbridge cycling rate in smooth muscle, specially inhibits rapidly cycling crossbridges, has no apparent effect on cycling rate of very slow-cycling or “latch” crossbridges in the tracheal smooth muscle.

[0499] (Packer C S. et al.: The effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) on smooth muscle mechanical properties. European Journal of Physiology 412 (6): 659-64, October 1988)

[0500] Isolated calcium channel currents and/or calcium channel currents in single cells and K⁺ contractures in intact strips may be blocked by BDM.

[0501] (Lang R J. et al.: Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on whole-cell Ca²⁺ channel currents in single cells of guinea-pig taenia caeci. Journal of Physiology 433: 1-24, February 1991)

[0502] BDM inhibits myosin light chain phosphorylation, directly decreases force generation at the crossbridge level and inhibits the Ca²⁺ translocation in smooth muscle.

[0503] (Osterman A. et al.: Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on activation of contraction and crossbridge kinetics in intact and chemically skinned smooth muscle fibres from guinea pig taenia coli. Journal of Muscle Research & Cell Motility 14 (2): 186-94, April 1993)

[0504] In the intact taenia coli, BDM depresses the tonic phase of the tetanus, contractures evoked by high potassium (90 mM) and by carbachol (10⁻⁵M). In the electrically stimulated intact taenia coli, BDM (0-20 mM) caused a proportional inhibition of tetanic force output, myosin light chain phosphorylation and high-energy phosphate usage. At 20 mM BDM, force and energy usage fell to near zero and the degree of myosin light chain phosphorylation decreased to resting values, indicating a shut-down of both force-dependent and force independent energy usage at high concentrations of BDM.

[0505] (Siegman M J. et al.: Comparison of the effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on force production, myosin light chain phosphorylation and chemical energy usage in intact and perneabilized smooth and skeletal muscles. Journal of Muscle Research & Cell Motility 15 (4): 457-72, August 1994)

[0506] BDM reduces, in a dose-dependent manner, the force of the spontaneous motility and the contractions induced by acetylcholine, bethanechol and electrical stimulation.

[0507] (Lizarraga I. et al.: Effect of butanedione monoxime on the contractility of guinea pig ileum and on the electrophysiological activity of myenteric S-type neurones. Neuroscience Letters 246 (2): 105-8, Apr. 24, 1998)

[0508] 3 ) Effects on myocardium

[0509] Cardioplegia with 2,3-butanedione monoxime protects human left ventricular myocardium from dissection injury facilitating dissection and preservation of strip preparations with extraordinary low cross-sectional area and high peak twitch tension.

[0510] (Mulieri L A. et al.: Protection of human left ventricular myocardium from cutting injury with 2,3-butanedione monoxime. Circulation Research 65 (5): 1441-9, November 1989)

[0511] BDM affects both calcium availability and responsiveness of the myofilaments to Ca²⁺, therefore alter myosin crossbridge kinetics of mammalian myocardium.

[0512] (Gwathmey J K. et al.: Contractile deactivation and uncoupling of crossbridges. Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on mammalian myocardium. Circulation Research 69 (5): 1280-92, November 1991)

[0513] Selective intracoronary infusion of BDM at doses may inhibit regional wall motion, decrease infarction size after reperfusion.

[0514] (Garcia-Dorado D. et al.: Selective inhibition of the contractile apparatus. A new approach to modification of infarct size, infarct composition, and infarct geometry during coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. Circulation 85 (3): 1160-74, March 1992)

[0515] 5 mM BDM predominantly affects cross-bridge force production and Ca²⁺ sensitivity and has a less pronounced effect on Ca₁ ²⁺.

[0516] (Perreault C L. et al.: Cellular basis of negative inotropic effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime in human myocardium. American Journal of Physiology 263 (2 pt 2): H503-10, August 1992)

[0517] Relatively low concentrations of 2,3-butanedione monoxime, given before global ischemia and early during reperfusion of isolated hearts, can protect against dysrhythmias and improve return of myocardial and vascular function.

[0518] (Boban M. et al.: Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime in isolated hearts: protection during reperfusion after global ischemia. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery 105 (3): 532-40, March 1993)

[0519] Low temperature exposure of the isolated hearts is important for BDM to exert its beneficial effect of protective action.

[0520] (Hebisch S. et al.: Influence of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on heart energy metabolism. Basic Research in Cardiology 88 (6): 566-75, Nov.-Dec. 1993)

[0521] BDM reduces the isometric force development of the electrically driven isolated human myocardial muscle strip in a dose-dependent way.

[0522] (Vahl C F. et al.: Reversible desensitization of the myocardial contractile apparatus for calcium. A new concept for improving tolerance to cold ischemia in human myocardium? European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 8 (7): 370-8, 1994.

[0523] The excitation-contraction uncoupler, BDM may reduce hypertrophy in high density spontaneously contracting serum-free cardiomyocytes.

[0524] (Lubic S P. et al.: The effects of modulation of calcium influx through the voltage-sensitive calcium channel on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Journal of Molecular & Cellular Cardiology 27 (3): 917-25, March 1995)

[0525] Myocardium protecting effect of BDM may act through modulation of myocarium intracellular calcium transients or alteration in sensitivity to calcium.

[0526] (Dorman B H. et al.: Preservation of myocyte contractile function after hypothermic, hyperkalemic cardioplegic arrest with 2,3-butanedione monoxime. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery 111 (3): 621-9, March 1996)

[0527] BDM affects the phosphorylation state of TnI and PLB not directly, but via activation of their phophotases.

[0528] (Zimmermann N. et al.: Mechanisms of the contractile effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime in the mammalian heart. Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology 354 (4): 431-6, October 1996)

[0529] BDM produces reversible modification of the cardiac calcium channel protein leading to an expected reduction in amplitude of the expressed currents.

[0530] (Eisfeld J. et al.: Inhibition of cloned human L-type cardiac calcium channel by 2,3-butanedione monoxime does not require PKA-dependent phosphorylation sites. Biochemical & Biophysical Research Communications 230 (3): 489-92, January 1997)

[0531] BDM promotes voltage-dependent inactivation of L-type Ca²⁺ channels in parallel with charge interconversion between intramembranous charges 1 and 2. Mechanically they are consistent either with dephosphorylation or a dihydropyridine-like action in guinea pig heart.

[0532] (Ferreira G. et al.: Butanedione monoxime promotes voltage-dependent inactivation of L-type calcium channels in heart. Effects on gating currents. Journal of Molecular & Cellular Cardiology 29 (2): 777-87, February 1997)

[0533] BDM may act by stimulating Ca-induced Ca release.

[0534] (Adams W. et al.: 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) decreases sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca content by stimulating Ca release in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. European Journal of Physiology 436 (5): 776-81, October 1998)

[0535] BDM is effective in protecting the myocardium with ameliorated myocardial edema and atrioventricular conduction delay after reperfusion.

[0536] (Jayawant A M., Stephenson E R Jr., Damiano R J Jr.: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime cardioplegia: advantages over hyperkalemia in blood-perfused isolated hearts. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 67 (3): 618-23, March 1999)

[0537] BDM exerts negative inotropic activity by reducing the number of force-generating cross-bridges, possibly by increasing the cross-bridge detachment rate as well as by reducing force generation per cross-bridge in human myocardium.

[0538] (Brixius K., Schwinger R H.: Modulation of cross-bridge interaction by 2,3-butanedione monoxime in human ventricular myocardium. Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology. 361 (4): 440-4, April 2000)

[0539] 4) Vasodilation

[0540] BDM suppresses contraction of the portal vein mainly by the inhibition of voltage-dependent cytosolic Ca²⁺ transients. Also suppresses the force-enhancing effect of α1-adrenergic agents on the contractile elements.

[0541] (Watanabe M. et al.: Effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on smooth muscle contraction of guinea pig portal vein. European Journal of physiology 425 (5-6): 462-8, December 1993)

[0542] BDM can enhance preservation of coronary artery endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation during myocardial ischemia in the isolated rat heart.

[0543] (Cartier R. et al.: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime preserves coronary artery endothelium-dependent relaxation during myocardial ischemia in the isolated rat heart. Canadian Journal of Cardiology 11 (6): 505-10, June 1995)

[0544] Both the decreased coronary flow elicited by 0.5 nM ET-1 in isolated guinea pig hearts, and the constricted guinea pig vascular rings induced by 20 nM ET-1, may be restored by BDM.

[0545] (Stowe D F. et al.: Reversal of endothelin-induced vasoconstriction by endothelin-dependent and -independent vasodilators in isolated hearts and vascular rings. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 29 (6): 747-54, June 1997)

[0546] BDM may increase coronary flow but not increase NO release.

[0547] (Fujita S. et al.: Effects of vasodilators and perfusion pressure on coronary flow and simultaneous release of nitric oxide from guinea pig isolated hearts. Cardiovascular Research 38 (3): 655-67, June 1998)

[0548] The University of Wisconsin solution appears capable of lung preservation for up to 24 hours if modified to contain calcium and BDM. The mechanism of the BDM effect may be related to the suppression of smooth muscle contraction resulting in vasodilatation of the cold-stored lung on reperfusion.

[0549] (Lopukhin S Y. et al.: University of Wisconsin solution with butanedione monoxime and calcium improves rat lung preservation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 67 (1): 203-7, January 1999)

[0550] 5) Antagonism for cardiac sympathetic stimulation

[0551] Cardiac responses induced by sympathetic stimulation (9v, 6 Hz, 40 sec) may be blocked by BDM.

[0552] (Kudo T. et al.: Cardiac sympathetic stimulation increases cardiac contractility but decreases contractile efficiency in canine hearts in vivo. Japanese Circulation Journal 62 (12): 925-32, December 1998)

[0553] 6) Effect on other tissues

[0554] Acute BDM treatment produces a rapid, reversible block of K⁺ current with half block at about 5 mM. In contrast, preincubation of intact cells briefly in 5 mM BDM before measuring may reduce the K⁺ current in an irreversible manner in human T lymphocytes.

[0555] (Schlichter L C. et al.: Dual action of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) on K⁺ current in human T lymphocytes. Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics 261 (2): 438-46, May 1992)

ATTACHMENT (3) PREPARATION OF CHEMICALS

[0556] 1. 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) was purchased from Aldrich Company, and used without further purification, m.p., 76.8° C. HNMR, VAR 72, 2.0, 2.4, 8.9 in CDCl3; MS: 43 (100), 42 (20), 15 (11), 40 (9), 101 (7), 41 (7), 58 (4), 39 (4), 30 (4), 27 (4); IR: 3230, 3030, 2860, 1720, 1430, 1370, 1320, 1120, 1010, 980, 94, 790, 770;

[0557] 2. Other chemicals were prepared in our lab, and preparation methods and spectral data will be advised later.

ATTACHMENT (4)

[0558] Chinese Originals of the Study Reports Code for BDM tested Page Count 1. SPL-A (1) 3 2. SPL-A (2) 3 3. SPL-C 4 4. HT2 3 5. MT1 5 Total 18 

ATTACHMENT (1) STUDY REPORTS TRANSLATION FROM THE CHINESE ORIGINALS 1. EFFECT OF SPL-A ON DRUG-INDUCED ASTHMA IN GUINEA PIG

[0559] Aim

[0560] To investigate effect of SPL-A on drug-induced asthma in guinea pig (mainly referring bronchodilator-like effect)

[0561] Animal

[0562] Healthy guinea pigs with body weight <200 g, half male and female;

[0563] Experimental reagents and instruments

[0564] 0.2M SPL-A solution, 2% acethylcholine chloride, 0.1% histamine phosphate, 1.25% aminophyline, and type-402 ultrasonic nebulizer, etc.

[0565] Method

[0566] (1) Screening animals: animal was put in a glass container, a mixed solution of 2% acethylcholine and 0.1% histamine was nebulized with a pressure of 400 mmHg and inhaled by the animals for 15 sec. Following the end of the inhalation, the time between beginning of the inhalation and the animal turned down due to bronchial spasm and dyspnea was recorded as asthmatic latent period. Those animals with a latent period beyond 120 s. were excluded, and those with a latent period less than 120 s were selected for study the next day.

[0567] (2) Grouping: The selected animals were divided into saline, SPL-A, and aminophyline groups.

[0568] (3) Administration of the drugs: saline (10 ml/kg, I.P.), SPL-A (0.2M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) and aminophylline (1.25%, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) were given respectively before the inhalation.

[0569] (4) Measuring: Repeat the inhalation at 30 min, 4 h, and 24 h after administration of the drugs respectively. Asthmatic latent period was recorded, 6 minutes were taken as the maximum, and values beyond 6 min were counted as 6 min.

[0570] (5) Data analysis: Values were expressed as meanisd, and paired for “t” and chi-square tests. Significance was considered to be established when p<0.05. TABLE 1 Results: Effect of SPL-A on the asthmatic latent period induced by acethylcholine and histamine Dose Body Wt. Asthmatic Latent Period (s) Group (ml/kg) (g) Before Ad. 30 min after Ad. 4 h 24 h. N.S. 10 179.8 ± 16.7 91.8 ± 17.3 112.0 ± 27.3 91.0 ± 40.1 111.8 ± 59.7  (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5)    (n = 5)  (n = 5) SPL-A 10 179.3 ± 14.5 70.4 ± 21.1 261.0 ± 107.4 99.2 ± 42.1 81.8 ± 11.0 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5)^(▴# ) (n = 5)^(Δ  ) (n = 5) Aminophylline 10 179.3 ± 20.8 70.6 ± 27.7 298.2 ± 138.2 216.6 ± 112.5 96 ± 26.9 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5)^(▴##) (n = 5)^(▴#) (n = 2)

[0571] TABLE 2 Effect of SPL-A on incidence of asthmatic spasm induced by acethylcholine & histamine Incidence Body of Asthmatic spasm (%) Dose Wt. Before 30 min Group (ml/kg) (g) Ad. after Ad. 4 h 24 h. N.S. 10 179.8 ± 16.7 100 100 100 100 SPL-A 10 179.3 ± 14.5 100 100 100 100 (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) Amino- 10 179.3 ± 20.8 100 100 100 100 phylline (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 2)

[0572] Conclusion

[0573] 1) Thirty minutes after SPL-A given, the latent period was significantly extended compared to the value before SPL-A (p<0.05). The effect was similar with arninophylline.

[0574] 2) Four and 24 h after SPL-A, found no significant effect on the latent period.

[0575] 3) Thirty minutes and 4 h after aminophylline administration, the latent period was significantly extended (p<0.05).

[0576] 4) Incidence of asthmatic spasm induced by the drugs at 30 min. after administration of SPL-A and aminophylline, showed a tendency to decrease, from 100% down to 60% and 40% respectively. (not reached significant level may be due to smaller sample size)

[0577] (This study was contracted to and completed by Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tongji Medical University, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China, in September 1999, an original study report is attached behind. SPL-A is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

2. EFFECT OF SPL-A ON BRONCHIAL SMOOTH MUSCLE CONTRACTION INDUCED BY HISTAMINE IN GUINEA PIG

[0578] Aim

[0579] To investigate effect of SPL-A on bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine, and compare it with aminophylline.

[0580] Animal

[0581] Healthy guinea pigs with body weight 250-350 g, half for both male and female.

[0582] Experimental reagents and instruments

[0583] SPL-A (0.2 M), histamine phosphate (10 μg/ml), 1.25% aminophylline, saline, DH-140 animal respirator, and multiple-channel physiology recorder, etc.

[0584] Method

[0585] (1). Group, dosage and administration: the animals were grouped as saline (10 ml/kg, I.P.), SPL-A (0.2 M, 10 ml/kg, I.P.) and 1.25% aminophylline (10 ml/kg, I.P.) (positive) groups.

[0586] (2). Experimental steps: Each of the animals was anesthetized with pentobarbital (30 mg/kg, I.P.). The trachea was intubated, and connected to respirator. The tidal volume and frequency of the respirator were adjusted to 6-10 ml and 60-70 breath/min respectively. A modified device was used for measuring by-pass-airflow pressure of the airway, which reflecting alteration in airway resistance, therefore was used to evaluate status of bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine.

[0587] A small hole on chest wall of the animal was made, resulting in pneumothorax to inhibit spontaneous respiration of the animal. The by-pass-airflow pressures were measured before and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 6 min after administration of histamine (5-10 μg, I.P.) as control values. Then, saline, BDM, and aminophylline were given respectively and followed by administration of the same dose of histamine, the airflow pressures were measured before and at the same time points after administration of the drug and histamine. Changes in the airflow pressure caused by histamine before and after saline, SPL-A, or aminophylline were compared.

[0588] Calculation and Date analysis

[0589] The changing rate, a percentage of changes in by-pass-airflow pressures before and after administration of the histamine at different time points, was calculated as the formula below:

Change rate (%)=(P _(A) −P _(B))/P _(A)×100%

[0590] where P_(A) is the airflow pressure after histamine, P_(B) is the pressure before histamine. Values were expressed as mean ±SD, paired or group “t” test was used upon the requirement for the statistical analysis. It was considered as significance when p<0.05.

[0591] Result TABLE 1 Effect of the tested drugs on by-pass-airflow pressure Saline Group (Kpa) SPL-A Group (Kpa) Aminophylline (Kpa) B A B A B A B.hist. 3.84 ± 0.30 3.85 ± 0.30 3.60 ± 0.26 3.86 ± 0.23 4.18 ± 0.72 4.24 ± 1.18 Hist. 10′ 4.10 ± 0.29 3.94 ± 0.21 3.67 ± 0.16 3.42 ± 0.21 4.51 ± 0.65 4.36 ± 1.10 20′ 4.04 ± 0.27 4.04 ± 0.37 3.76 ± 0.32 3.54 ± 0.21 4.34 ± 0.73 4.18 ± 0.86 30′ 3.97 ± 0.36 3.98 ± 0.27 3.72 ± 0.21 3.56 ± 0.27 4.40 ± 0.79 4.20 ± 0.92 40′ 3.94 ± 0.38 4.02 ± 0.23 3.72 ± 0.18 3.60 ± 0.28 4.42 ± 0.80 4.15 ± 0.88 50′ 3.88 ± 0.24 3.98 ± 0.30 3.67 ± 0.23 3.62 ± 0.29 4.42 ± 0.86 4.10 ± 0.92 60′ 3.94 ± 0.32 3.95 ± 0.37 3.68 ± 0.11 3.66 ± 0.26 4.46 ± 0.87 4.02 ± 0.92

[0592] TABLE 2 Effect of the tested drugs on changing rate of by-pass-airflow pressure Saline Group (%) SPL-A Group (%) B A D B A D Hist 10′ 6.94 ± 6.05 2.51 ± 3.57 −4.43 ± 6.47 2.13 ± 3.72  −11.37 ± 2.70^(▴▴) −13.50 ± 3.25* 20′ 5.35 ± 4.53 5.05 ± 7.89 −0.29 ± 4.59 4.49 ± 5.60 −8.22 ± 3.78^(▴) −12.72 ± 8.83* 30′ 3.38 ± 4.46 3.45 ± 1.90   0.06 ± 3.77 3.52 ± 5.09 −7.80 ± 3.26^(▴) −11.33 ± 6.86* 40′ 2.54 ± 3.98 4.59 ± 4.08   2.05 ± 5.17 3.56 ± 5.14 −6.77 ± 3.58^(▴)  −10.34 ± 6.40** 50′ 1.20 ± 4.12 3.48 ± 5.28   2.28 ± 2.54 2.06 ± 3.88 −6.25 ± 3.92^(▴)  −8.31 ± 5.90** 60′ 2.64 ± 3.78 2.51 ± 3.74 −0.12 ± 3.87 2.54 ± 5.95 −5.11 ± 5.64   −7.65 ± 6.83 Aminophylline (%) B A D Hist 10′ 8.37 ± 7.65  −7.68 ± 7.30^(▴) −16.05 ± 11.76 20′ 3.93 ± 5.67 −10.62 ± 9.93^(▴) −14.55 ± 11.05 30′ 5.31 ± 7.95 −10.40 ± 9.47^(▴) −15.71 ± 11.78 40′ 5.80 ± 9.09 −11.38 ± 8.54^(▴) −17.19 ± 13.20 50′ 5.63 ± 9.46 −12.73 ± 8.21^(▴) −18.36 ± 10.52 60′ 6.54 ± 8.83 −14.25 ± 9.52^(▴) −20.79 ± 13.84

[0593] Conclusion

[0594] 1) Administration of the histamine caused significant increase in the airflow pressure, reflecting a raised bronchial smooth muscle tone due to smooth muscle contraction (p<0.05).

[0595] 2) SPL-A may significantly reduce the histamine-induced increase in the airflow pressure at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min after the administration of SPL-A (p<0.01, or p<0.05).

[0596] 3) Aminophylline may significantly reduce the histamine-induced increase in the airflow pressure at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after administration of aminophylline (p<0.01, or p<0.05).

[0597] 4) Effect of SPL-A was similar to that of aminopphylline at the time points after administration of the two tested drugs.

[0598] 5) Both SPL-A and aminophylline possess relaxing effect on contracted bronchial smooth muscle.

[0599] (This study was contracted to and completed by Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tongji Medical University, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China, in September 1999, an original study report is attached behind. SPL-A is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

3. EFFECT OF SPL-C ON ISOLATED COLON SMOOTH MUSCLE OF GUINEA PIG

[0600] Abstract

[0601] Effect of SPL-C on isolated colon smooth muscle of guinea pig was investigated in the study. The result showed that SPL-C (20 ml/L nutritious solution) possesses significant inhibition of isolated colon smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂.

[0602] Materials

[0603] 1-1. Experimental Reagents: SPL-C (0.2M, pink solution), provided by Jia-Jie-Xing Science & Technology Co., Shengzheng, China, Lot. 20000720

[0604] 1-2. Main Reagents

[0605] Smooth muscle stimulator: barium chloride (BaCl₂) A.R, product of Guangzhou Chemical Reagent Factory Lot. No. 20000301-2.

[0606] 1-3. Experimental Animal

[0607] Guinea pig, provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, First Military Medical University, certificate No. 99A047

[0608] 1-4. Instrument

[0609] Type DC-001 Organ Bath, Nanjing Analytical Instruments Co., China.

[0610] 2. Method & Result

[0611] Healthy guinea pigs, half male and female, with body weight of 240±20 g, were selected for the study. No feeding for 24 h before the experiment. Following sacrifice of the animal by hitting the head, the abdomen was rapidly opened and the colon was isolated within Botting solution. A segment of the colon, 2 cm in length was taken to mount on the equipment with one end connected to a force transducer, the other end fixed on the bottom of the organ bath containing of oxygenated nutritious solution at 37° C.

[0612] The animals were divided as test group and control (placebo) group. BaCl₂ (0.67 g/L. nutritious solution) was added into the water bath to induce smooth muscle contraction of the colon before administration of SPL-C or distilled water, repeating the same procedures and measuring the contraction force for times until a stable amplitude of the contraction reached. Following times of washing then, SPL-C(0.2M, 20 ml/L nutritious sol.) or same amount of distilled water was added separately, 10 min afterwards, same dose of BaCl₂ was added into the water bath again, to observe effect of SPL-C or distilled water on the colon smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂. The contraction force before and after administration of SPL-C or distilled water was recorded, and a contraction rate was calculated as the formula below:

Contraction Rate (%)=[(F _(c) after the drug)/(F _(c) before the drug)]×100%

[0613] Where F_(c) is force of the smooth muscle contraction Paired group “t” test was made to compare contraction force after SPL-C and distilled water to determine that if there is significant difference between the two groups. The result was listed as below: Control Before (g) 2.05 2.70 1.95 3.10 1.70 2.60 2.40 After (g) 2.00 2.85 2.00 3.10 1.65 2.80 2.35 Rate (%) 97.5 105.5 102.6 100.0 97.1 107.7 97.9 Mean ± SD: 101.2 ± 4.2% Test Before (g) 2.35 2.30 2.35 2.30 2.45 2.70 2.90 After (g) 1.70 1.35 1.45 1.75 1.70 1.75 2.20 Rate (%) 72.3 58.7 61.7 76.1 69.4 64.8 75.9 Mean ± SD: 68.4 ± 6.9%

[0614] The result showed that the contraction rate after SPL-C was 68.4±6.9%, significantly less than 101.2±4.2%, that value of control group (P<0.01).

[0615] It suggests that SPL-C possesses significant relaxing effect on the colon smooth muscle contraction induced by BaCl₂ in guinea pigs.

[0616] (This study was contracted to and completed by The Pharmacology Laboratory, Guangzhou Municipal Pharmaceutical Industry Institute 134 Mid-JiangNan Dadao, Gangzhou, Gangdong 510240, China. An original study report is attached behind. SPL-C is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

4. EFFECT OF HT2 ON HYPERTENSION INDUCED BY ARAMINE IN THE RATS

[0617] Abstract

[0618] Effect of HT2 on hypertension induced by aramine was studied. The result showed that preventive administration: HT2 solution (10 mg/kg) may effectively antagonize the increase in blood pressure induced by aramine; Curative administration: HT2 solution (10 mg/kg) may significantly inhibit the hypertension induced by aramine.

[0619] 1. Materials

[0620] 1-1. Drug to be tested

[0621] HT2 solution (clear, translucent), provided by Jia-Jie-Xing Science & Technology Co.,Shengzheng, China Lot.No.20001023)

[0622] 1-2. Reagents

[0623] Hypertension-inducing drug

[0624] aramine (metaraminol bitartrate) injection, 10 mg/ml Yonkang Pharmaceutical Co., Beijing, Lot.20000923. Proper concentration was prepared just before the experiment.

[0625] Urethan (ethyl carbamate), C.P. Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co., China Medicine (Groups), Lot. 20000309

[0626] 1-3. Experimental animal

[0627] SD rats, provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, First Military Medical University, Certificate No. 99A046

[0628] 1-4. Experimental instruments

[0629] RMP-6000M Eight Channel Physiology Recorder (made in Japan)

[0630] 2. Method & Result

[0631] Half male and female healthy SD rats with body weight of 200-250 g were selected for the study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups as control, preventive, and curative, 6 rats in each group. Each rat in the groups was anesthetized with urethan (1.4 g/kg, I.P.), then the main cervical artery was exposed and cannulated, arterial blood pressure was monitored via the tube during the experiment. 30 min stabilization was taken after the operation, and curves of normal blood pressure were recorded before testing the drugs.

[0632] 2-1. Prevention test

[0633] HT2 (10 ml/kg, I.P.) was administered for each rat in test group, whereas the same amount of saline was given for each rat in control group. Curves of the blood pressure were recorded at 2, 5, and 10 min. after the administration of HT2 or saline. Then aramine injection (30 μg/ml, 0.4 ml/min.I.V.drop) was given for each of the rats, and the curves of the blood pressure were recorded at 2, 5, and 10 min. after aramine, to determine effect of HT2 on hypertension induced by aramine.

[0634] The results showed that 1 min. after HT2 was given, the blood pressure was apparently decreased, and down to the lowest level by 5 min. after HT2 (decreasing amplitude of SBP/DBP was 33/30 mmHg). For control group, the blood pressure was fluctuated within a range of ±15 mmHg after saline given. Ten minutes later, aramine was administered, the blood pressure was raised back immediately, in average, SBP/DBP were increased by 39/34 mmHg. For control group, the blood pressure was raised instantly as well, in average, SBP/DBP were up to 59/46 mmHg within 10 min. after aramine, (see Table 1.), suggesting that HT2 may effectively antogonize the drug-induced hypertension.

[0635] 2-2. Curative test

[0636] Aramine was administered to each of the animals, causing an increase in blood pressure by about 60 mmHg, and waiting for 10 min stabilization. Then HT2 or saline was given, curves of the blood pressure were recorded at 2, 5, and 10 min. after administration of HT2 or saline to determine effect of HT2 on the aramine-induced hypertension.

[0637] The results showed that the blood pressure was significantly decreased at 1 min, and down to the lowest level at 2 min. after administration of HT2 (decreasing amplitude: 58/44 mmHg). In average, SBP/DBP were decreased by 54/42 mmHg within 10 min. Whereas the increased blood pressure of the rats in control group just fluctuated within a range of ±15 mmHg, (See Table 2), suggesting that HT2 may significantly inhibit the drug-induced hypertension. TABLE 1 Effect of HT2 on hypertension caused by aramine in the rats (mmHg, mean ± SD, n = 6-7) BP after HT2 BP after aramine Group BP before 2′ 5′ 10′ 2′ 5′ 10′ Control S. 120.0 ± 13.8 115.6 ± 13.9 117.3 ± 8.4   124.1 ± 8.9   184.4 ± 8.5   179.9 ± 6.9   184.0 ± 11.8 D. 70.0 ± 8.5 65.4 ± 8.8 68.0 ± 4.8  70.7 ± 10.6  115.7 ± 11.3  116.0 ± 6.2   117.4 ± 9.8  Priven. S. 117.3 ± 3.2   88.0 ± 5.2** 84.0 ± 6.7** 88.2 ± 7.7** 126.3 ± 16.1** 127.5 ± 16.1**  127.7 ± 17.3* D. 68.7 ± 8.8  39.7 ± 6.4** 39.0 ± 8.7** 43.0 ± 8.5**  76.2 ± 21.5**  76.5 ± 11.9**   77.0 ± 22.4**

[0638] TABLE 2 Effect of HT2 on hypertension caused by aramine in the rats (mmHg, mean ± SD, n = 6-7) BP after aramine BP after HT2 Group BP before 2′ 5′ 10′ 2′ 5′ 10′ Control S. 127.7 ± 12.8 185.9 ± 9.0 182.9 ± 10.6 186.3 ± 13.4 186.7 ± 11.7 186.7 ± 9.8 191.6 ± 14.7 D.  77.9 ± 22.8 123.7 ± 21.1 125.3 ± 21.5 126.1 ± 21.5 125.6 ± 19.5 129.0 ± 19.7 130.7 ± 22.9 Curat. S. 123.3 ± 10.1 182.7 ± 6.0 183.5 ± 5.5 181.8 ± 6.4 123.7 ± 6.0** 128.3 ± 5.2** 130.5 ± 4.2** D.  74.0 ± 15.4 121.5 ± 5.5 122.2 ± 5.1 117.7 ± 9.5  73.8 ± 4.9**  77.0 ± 9.1**  76.3 ± 5.2**

[0639] (This study was contracted to and completed by The Pharmacology Laboratory, Guangzhou Municipal Pharmaceutical Industry Institute, 134 Mid-JiangNan Dadao, Gangzhou, Gangdong 510240, China, in November 2000. An original study report is attached behind. HT2 is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

5. EFFECT OF MT1 ON CONVULSION OF SKELETAL MUSCLE CAUSED BY STRYCHNINE

[0640] Abstract

[0641] Effect of MT1 solution on convulsion caused by strychnine nitrate was investigated. The results showed that MT1 solution (20 ml/kg, I.P.) may significantly extend the time span from beginning of the convulsion to death of the animal.

[0642] 1. Materials

[0643] 1-1. Drug to be tested

[0644] MT1 solution (pink), provided by Jia-Jie-Xing Science & Technology Co.,Shengzheng, China.

[0645] 1-2. Main Reagents

[0646] Convulsion-inducing drug

[0647] strychnine nitrate, injection of 2 mg/ml, Hefeng Pharmaceutical Co., Shanghai, Lot. 990701, Proper concentration of the drug was prepared just before the study.

[0648] 1-3. Experimental Animal

[0649] NIH mice, provided by the Center of Experimental Animals, Provincial Health Department of Guangdong, Certificate No. 99A030.

[0650] 2. Method & Results

[0651] Half male and female healthy NIH mice with body weight of 20±2 g were selected for the study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups as protective, curative, and control (saline). For the protective group, MT1 (0.2M, 20 ml/kg, I.P.) was given 0.5 h prior to administration of strychnine (1.5 mg/kg, I.P.). For the curative group, then the same dose of MT1 was given immediately after strychnine administration. In the control group, saline (20 ml/kg, I.P.) was administered 0.5 h before the strychnine. Immediately following the injection of strychnine, convulsion latent period and the time from beginning of convulsion to death of the animal were recorded. The animals showed reducing activities, difficulties in action and toddling after administration of MT1. Two or three min. following the strychnine administration, the animals showed suddenly turning to exciting, running around, and finally leading to rigidly convulsion. (see the attached table)

[0652] The results have demonstrated that MT1 (20 ml/kg, I.P.) may significantly extend the time from beginning of convulsion to death of the animal, induced by the lethal dose of strychnine (100% convulsion-inducing dose, 1.5 mg/kg, I.P.). However, no significant change found in incidence of the convulsion or the death, suggesting MT1 possesses significant antagonistic effect against convulsion caused by strychnine. TABLE Antagonistic effect of MT1 on convulsion caused by the lethal dose of strychnine (mean ± SD, n = 12) The lat- Convulsion- Convulsion Death ent period Death Time Groups n (%) (%) (s) (s) Control 12 100 100 218.3 ± 39.4 10.8 ± 20.9  MT1-C 12 100 100 134.2 ± 31.5 538.3 ± 169.3** MT1-P 12 100 100 183.8 ± 32.6 496.3 ± 285.3**

[0653] (This study was contracted to and completed by the Pharmacology Laboratory, Guanzhou Municipal Pharmaceutical Industry Institute, 134 Mid-JiangNan Dadao, Gangzhou, Gangddong 510240, China. And an original study report and experiment recordings are attached behind. MT1 is a code we used for BDM in the study.)

ATTACHMENT (2) REFERENCES A BRIEF REVIEW OF CURRENT MEDICATIONS AND THERAPIES FOR ASTHMA

[0654] 1. β₂-agonists

[0655] Stimulation of β₂-receptor on airway smooth muscle results in relaxation of the smooth muscle. They may be used as a principal bronchodilator, especially at times of crisis. However, β₂-agonists remain controversial: regular use of inhaled β₂-agonists is detrimental, leading to the morbidity increased.

[0656] 2. Glucocorticoids

[0657] Multiple effects as the aspects below:

[0658] 1) Modulating inflammation, reducing inflammation and secretion, so that decreasing bronchial hyperresponsiveness and relieving airway obstruction. Many kinds of cells involved in the inflammatory process may be affected, such as lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, microphages, monocytes, mast cells and so on.

[0659] 2) Blocking or reducing of synthesis of many mediators involved in the inflammatory process, such as arachidonic acid and its metabolites, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and many cytokines produced by the wide variety of inflammatory cells.

[0660] 3) Mast cell degranulation may not be affected, so that cortocosteroids inhibit the late asthmatic response following exposure to relevant allergen, while inhibition of the early phase of asthmatic response is minimal, or chronic inhaled treatment may be benefit, but may not complete normalization of bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

[0661] Discontinuation of the treatment will show a rapid disappearance of any beneficial effect. And, steroid resistance may develop in some patients.

[0662] Adverse effects of glucocorticosteroids: long period use may cause problems, such as cardiovascular hypertension, skin thinning, adrenal suppression, growth suppression, delayed sexual maturation, weight gain, cushingoid habitus, diabetes mellitus, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, hperlipidemia, osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis of bone, muscle myopathy, cataracts, glancoma, mood swigs, psychosis and etc.

[0663] 3. Methylxanthines (principally theophylline)

[0664] A well-known concentration-dependent bronchodilator with its history in clinic use over 50 years. Its effect on airway smooth muscle is mainly through inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE).

[0665] Normally, PDE_(3, 4,) are present in airway smooth muscle to catalyze breaking down of cAMP. Theophylline inhibits PDE_(3, 4,) therefore, will increase cAMP concentration in smooth muscle, which turn to open K⁺ channel, leading to recovery and stabilization of excitable smooth muscle cells following activation, finally resulting airway smooth muscle relaxation. Some studies also suggested that bronchodilation by theophylline may be partly due to stimulation of catecholamine release. Theophylline also possesses anti-inflammatory effects on inflammatory cells via the similar mechanism.

[0666] In addition, it may show some extra-pulmonary effects on diapagmatic contractility and skeletal muscle. These may be due to its antagonism for adenosine receptor, increasing Ca²⁺ influx, and promote Na⁺, K⁺ pump function.

[0667] 4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents

[0668] 1) Cromolyn sodium

[0669] A mast cell membrane stabilizer, it stabilizes mast cells membrane and prevent the release of mediators following antigen challenge. It also inhibits formation of IgE antibody, and may bind to mast cell membranes to inhibit or abolish Ca²⁺ channel activation induced by antigen challenge. Through inhibiting of chloride transport it may affect the fanctions of the inflammatory cells.

[0670] 2) Nedocromil sodium

[0671] One disodium salt of a pyranoquinolone dicarboxylic acid. It possesses anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting the release of leukotrienes B₄, C₄, PAF, histamine and reducing production of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1.

[0672] 5. Leukotriene synthesis inhibitor

[0673] Leukotriene can induce bronchoconstriction, hypersecretion of mucus and inflammatory cell chemotaxis. Leukotriene synthesis inhibitor may reduce production of leukotrienes.

[0674] 6. Leukotriene receptor antagonists

[0675] 1) Zafirlukast, is the first competitive LTD₄-receptor antagonist approved by FDA for the treatment of chronic asthma.

[0676] 2) Montelukast (Singulair), is a recently approved LTD₄-receptor antagonist for treatment of persistent asthma in both adults and children 6 years of age and elder.

[0677] 7. Lipoxygenase inhibitors

[0678] Lipoxygenase inhibitor compounds that alter the pathophysiological effects of leukotrienes derived from the 5-oxygenation of arachidonic acid (AA), inhibitors of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) Zileuton (Zyflo).

[0679] Orally active, selective and reversible 5-LO (5-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, resulting from the coupling of the n-hydroxy urea moiety of zileuton with the active iron site of 5-LO. It inhibits the bronchoconstriction induced by aspirin, cold and dry air and exercise.

[0680] 8. Others

[0681] A number of drugs with their activity in other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or their immunosuppressive activity have been evaluated in asthma primarily as oral glucocorticoid-sparing agents, but also for patients with glucocorticoid resistance asthma.

[0682] 1) Troleandomycin (TAO), inhibits the metabolism of methylprednisolone but also restores T- cell responsiveness to glucocorticoids in vitro. May lead to hapatocellular damages and hypercholesterolemia.

[0683] 2) Gold or Chrysotherapy, has been used for numerous autoimmune disorders and is approved for the treatment or rheumatoid arthritis, such as Auronofin, an oral formation, has made gold easier to be administered and then potentially more attractive. Gold inhibits the release of histamine and LTD4. Cutaneous eruptions, proteinuria and diarrhea are common after using. So that limited efficacy and high potential for adverse effects make it being used just for occasional a few cases.

[0684] 3) Methotrexate, is ananti-metabolite used for neoplastic dises that has been found to be effective in low doses for inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. It decreases neutrophil chemotaxis and histamine release from human basophils.

[0685] 4) Cyclosporine, is a cyclic polypeptide used for immunosuppression to prevent rejection in a variety of organ transplants. It inhibits the activation of T-lymphocytes and the release of variety of lymphokines, including IL-2, IL-3, IL-4 and IL-5. It also inhibits the release of histamine and LTD₄ from mast cells. As to side effect, it may cause hypertrichosis.

[0686] 5) Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

[0687] 6) Anticholinergic agents: Iproatropine bromide

[0688] 7) Alternative anti-inflammatory therapy: Macrolide antibiotics

[0689] 8) Colchicine

[0690] 9. Other possible agents

[0691] 1) Agents designed to inhibit the effects of cytokine, including reducing production of the cytokines and/or antagonism against the cytokines such as IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 etc.

[0692] 2) Regulation of IgE synthesis, anti-IgE antibody, cytokines that down-regulate allergic inflammation.

[0693] It is easy to recognize that all of these current medications or therapies for asthma are aimed just at the “pre-muscle molecular motor mechanism”, i.e. the initiating and regulating mechanism of bronchial smooth muscle, including pathogenic causes and their following pathophysiological processes of asthma, whereas put the muscle molecular motor mechanism, i.e. contractile apparatus mechanism for bronchial smooth muscle aside and actually being ignored.

REFERENCES B BRIEF REVIEW OF CURRENT ANTI-HYPERTENSION DRUGS USED IN MEDICAL WORLD

[0694] The physiological control and regulation of blood pressure involve many extreme complicated processes, including neurogenic and humoral mechanisms. Among them, sympathetic (adrenergic nervous) system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system play significant influence with blood pressure. In fact, lots of anti-hypertension drugs are acting through modulating of these two systems, relaxing arterial smooth muscle or reducing blood volume, so as to lower blood pressure.

[0695] According to the sites, on which drugs influence, anti-hypertension drugs may be classified as the following:

[0696] 1. Drugs mainly affect the centers of the adrenergic nervous system, such as Clonidine, (α-Methyldopa, and so on, α₂-receptor agonists.

[0697] The drug may bind with α₂-receptors on neuron posterior-membrane at central nervous system, so as to stimulate the inhibitory neurons, resulting in inhibition of peripheral sympathetic activities.

[0698] In addition, α₂-receptor on prior- membrane of the peripheral sympathetic neuron may also be stimulated, reducing release of noradrenaline from the sympathetic terminals.

[0699] 2. Ganglia blockers such as Hexamethonium

[0700] The drugs are antagonists of N₁-cholinergic receptor on neurons in ganglia, so, they may block neuro-transmission at ganglia. Blocking of sympathetic ganglia and result in tremendous decrease in blood pressure. Meanwhile, parasympathetic ganglia may also be blocked, causing many side effects. Therefore, this kind of drugs actually are seldom used in medical practise.

[0701] 3. Peripheral anti-noradrenergic drugs, such as Reserpine, guanethidine, and so on. The drug may block the intake process of amines and result in depletion of the neurotransmitters.

[0702] 4. Adrenergic Blockers

[0703] 1) α-receptor blockers such as Prazosin

[0704] 2) β-receptor blockers such as punelol, medolol, nadolol, and so on

[0705] 3) Blockers for both α- and β-receptors such as Labetolol

[0706] 5. Drugs affecting on vasculature smooth muscle such as Hydralazine, Diazoxide, Minoxidil, Sodium Nitroprusside

[0707] 6. Blockers of Ca²⁺ channel such as Nifedipine, Tetrandrine, and so on.

[0708] 7. Drugs mainly affect blood volume-Diuretics Hydrochlorothiazide

[0709] 8. Angiotensin I converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI) such as Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril, and so on.

REFERENCES C BRIEF REVIEW OF IN VITRO & IN VIVO STUDIES ABOUT EFFECT OF BDM IN THE ACADEMIC LITERATURE

[0710] BDM, also known as diacetyl monoxime, is a nucleophilic agent, which dephosphrylates acetylcholinesterase poisoned with organophosphates. This “chemical phosphates” activity stimulated studies of the effect of BDM on phosphorylation-dependent cellular processes. As result of these studies, we know that the drug affects a number of mechanisms including muscle contraction, ionic current flow and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, it may be used as a component of cardioplegic solutions since it protects cardiac tissues exposed to certain ischaemic conditions. Meanwhile, diversity of its cellular actions is also being revealed, and continuing to unresolved questions regarding its molecular mechanism. Some of the main aspects about effects of BDM in the literature are listed as below:

[0711] 1. Cholinesterase reactivation

[0712] It may be rapidly absorbed with half-life of 0.09-0.12 h, peak blood concentration of 24.7±0.3 and 38.9±1.7 μg·ml-1 at 10 min. after 20-50 mg/kg, I.M. respectively. Eliminate half-life varied between 3.65±0.12 and 3.8±0.19 h.

[0713] Lack of adverse effect of BDM on blood cholinesterase and other enzymes indicated that doses injected intramuscularly as high as 50 mg/kg, may be safely employed in buffaloes.

[0714] (Malik J K. et al.: Blood concentrations of 2,3-butanedione monoxime and some blood biochemical changes in Bubalis after intramuscular administration of this cholinesterase reactivator. Veterinary Research Communications 11 (3): 275-80, 1987)

[0715] BDM administered alone to dichlorvos-exposed calves significantly reactivated erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity.

[0716] (Raina R. et al.: the influence of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on dichlorvos-induced enzymatic changes in buffalo calves. Veterinary & Human Toxicology 34 (3): 218-20, June 1992)

[0717] The best uncharged reactivator was 2,3-butanedione monoxime, which produced complete reactivation at 0.3 mM in 2 h of carboxylesterase (CaE) that was inhibited by phosphinates, alkoxy-containing phosphates, and alkoxy-containing phosphonates.

[0718] (Maxwell D M. et al.: Oxime-induced reactivation of carboxylesterase inhibited by organophosphorus compounds. Chemical Research in Toxicology 7 (3): 428-33, May-June 1994)

[0719] 2. Inhibition of muscle contraction

[0720] 1) Effect on skeletal muscle

[0721] It may be used as a chemical phosphotase causing paralysis of skeletal muscle. Possible mechanisms may be reducing Ca²⁺ release from SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum) at low concentration (2 mM), and direct effect on contractile filaments of the muscle.

[0722] (Fryer M W. et al.: Paralysis of skeletal muscle by BDM, a chemical phosphatase. European Journal of Physiology 411 (1): 76-9, January 1988)

[0723] Inhibition of skeletal muscle may be due to direct effect of BDM on the myosin molecules.

[0724] (Higuchi H. et al.: Butanedione monoxime suppresses contraction and ATPase activity of rabbit skeletal muscle. Journal of Biochemistry 105 (4): 638-43, April 1989)

[0725] BDM may block a 4-AP-sensitive potassium conductance in motor nerve terminals, and increase the amplitude of endplate potentials, in this way, to cause muscle paralysis.

[0726] (Gage P W. et al.: Effects of butanedione monoxime on neuromuscular transmission. British Journal of Pharmacology 100 (3): 467-70, July 1990)

[0727] BDM possesses two major effects on the ATPase. First, it increases the equilibrium constant of the cleavage step (K3) from 2 to >10. Second, it slows the kinetics of the release of Pi by an order of magnitude (K4; from 0.054 to 0.004 s⁻¹). Whereas the kinetics of the binding of ATP (K) and the release of ADP (K6) were little affected by BDM.

[0728] (Heirmann C. et al.: Effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on myosin and myofibrillar ATPase—An example for non-competitive inhibitor. Biochemistry 31 (48): 12227-32, Dec. 8, 1992)

[0729] BDM may decrease attachment of cross bridges, resulting in more cross bridges accumulated in the detached state and causing isometric tension and stiffness to decline. Possibly, a thin-filament activation mechanism is also affected by BDM.

[0730] (Zhao Y. et al.: BDM affects nucleotide binding and force generation steps of the cross-bridge cycle in rabbit psoas muscle fibers. American Journal of Physiology 266 (2 pt 1): C437-47, February 1994)

[0731] 3BDM showed a significant anticonvulsant effect when it was simultaneously injected (205 mg/kg, I.P.) with picrotoxin (PTX, 3.0 mg/kg) for mice.

[0732] (Brightman T. et al.: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime protect mice against the convulsant effect of picrotoxin by facilitating GABA-activated currents. Brain Research 678 (1-2): 110-6, Apr. 24, 1995)

[0733] Skeletal muscle contractive tension may be inhibited by BDM

[0734] (Regnier M., Chase P B., Martyn D A.: Contractile properties of rabbit psoas muscle fibers inhibited by beryllium fluoride. Journal of Muscle Research & Cell Motility 20 (4): 425-32, May 1999)

[0735] Addition of BDM and antioxidants (trolox and deferione) to the bathing solutions may improve the preservation of the function, metabolism, and cytoarchitecture of isolated skeletal muscle after cold storage for 16 hr.

[0736] (Van der Heijden E P, Kroese A B., Werker P M., de With M C., de Smet M., Kon M., Bar D P.: Improving the preservation of isolated rat skeletal muscles stored for 16 hours at 4° C. Transplantation 69 (7): 1310-22, Apr. 15, 2000)

[0737] 2) Effect on smooth muscle

[0738] BDM inhibits crossbridge cycling rate in smooth muscle, specially inhibits rapidly cycling crossbridges, has no apparent effect on cycling rate of very slow-cycling or “latch” crossbridges in the tracheal smooth muscle.

[0739] (Packer C S. et al.: The effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) on smooth muscle mechanical properties. European Journal of Physiology 412 (6): 659-64, October 1988)

[0740] Isolated calcium channel currents and/or calcium channel currents in single cells and K⁺ contractures in intact strips may be blocked by BDM.

[0741] (Lang R J. et al.: Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on whole-cell Ca²⁺ channel currents in single cells of guinea-pig taenia caeci. Journal of Physiology 433: 1-24, February 1991)

[0742] BDM inhibits myosin light chain phosphorylation, directly decreases force generation at the crossbridge level and inhibits the Ca²⁺ translocation in smooth muscle.

[0743] (Osterman A. et al.: Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on activation of contraction and crossbridge kinetics in intact and chemically skinned smooth muscle fibres from guinea pig taenia coli. Journal of Muscle Research & Cell Motility 14 (2): 186-94, April 1993)

[0744] In the intact taenia coli, BDM depresses the tonic phase of the tetanus, contractures evoked by high potassium (90 mM) and by carbachol (10⁻⁵M). In the electrically stimulated intact taenia coli, BDM (0-20 mM) caused a proportional inhibition of tetanic force output, myosin light chain phosphorylation and high-energy phosphate usage. At 20 mM BDM, force and energy usage fell to near zero and the degree of myosin light chain phosphorylation decreased to resting values, indicating a shut-down of both force-dependent and force independent energy usage at high concentrations of BDM.

[0745] (Siegman M J. et al.: Comparison of the effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on force production, myosin light chain phosphorylation and chemical energy usage in intact and permeabilized smooth and skeletal muscles. Journal of Muscle Research & Cell Motility 15 (4): 457-72, August 1994)

[0746] BDM reduces, in a dose-dependent manner, the force of the spontaneous motility and the contractions induced by acetylcholine, bethanechol and electrical stimulation.

[0747] (Lizarraga I. et al.: Effect of butanedione monoxime on the contractility of guinea pig ileum and on the electrophysiological activity of myenteric S-type neurones. Neuroscience Letters 246 (2): 105-8, Apr. 24, 1998)

[0748] 3) Effects on myocardium

[0749] Cardioplegia with 2,3-butanedione monoxime protects human left ventricular myocardium from dissection injury facilitating dissection and preservation of strip preparations with extraordinary low cross-sectional area and high peak twitch tension.

[0750] (Mulieri L A. et al.: Protection of human left ventricular myocardium from cutting injury with 2,3-butanedione monoxime. Circulation Research 65 (5): 1441-9, November 1989)

[0751] BDM affects both calcium availability and responsiveness of the myofilaments to Ca²⁺, therefore alter myosin crossbridge kinetics of mammalian myocardium.

[0752] (Gwathmey J K. et al.: Contractile deactivation and uncoupling of crossbridges. Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on mammalian myocardium. Circulation Research 69 (5): 1280-92, November 1991)

[0753] Selective intracoronary infusion of BDM at doses may inhibit regional wall motion, decrease infarction size after reperfusion.

[0754] (Garcia-Dorado D. et al.: Selective inhibition of the contractile apparatus. A new approach to modification of infarct size, infarct composition, and infarct geometry during coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. Circulation 85 (3): 1160-74, March 1992)

[0755] 5 mM BDM predominantly affects cross-bridge force production and Ca²⁺ sensitivity and has a less pronounced effect on Ca₁ ²⁺.

[0756] (Perreault C L. et al.: Cellular basis of negative inotropic effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime in human myocardium. American Journal of Physiology 263 (2 pt 2): H503-10, August 1992)

[0757] Relatively low concentrations of 2,3-butanedione monoxime, given before global ischemia and early during reperfusion of isolated hearts, can protect against dysrhythmias and improve return of myocardial and vascular function.

[0758] (Boban M. et al.: Effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime in isolated hearts: protection during reperfusion after global ischemia. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery 105 (3): 532-40, March 1993)

[0759] Low temperature exposure of the isolated hearts is important for BDM to exert its beneficial effect of protective action.

[0760] (Hebisch S. et al.: Influence of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on heart energy metabolism. Basic Research in Cardiology 88 (6): 566-75, November-December 1993)

[0761] BDM reduces the isometric force development of the electrically driven isolated human myocardial muscle strip in a dose-dependent way.

[0762] (Vahl C F. et al.: Reversible desensitization of the myocardial contractile apparatus for calcium. A new concept for improving tolerance to cold ischemia in human myocardium? European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 8 (7): 370-8, 1994.

[0763] The excitation-contraction uncoupler, BDM may reduce hypertrophy in high density spontaneously contracting serum-free cardiomyocytes.

[0764] (Lubic S P. et al.: The effects of modulation of calcium influx through the voltage-sensitive calcium channel on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Journal of Molecular & Cellular Cardiology 27 (3): 917-25, March 1995)

[0765] Myocardium protecting effect of BDM may act through modulation of myocarium intracellular calcium transients or alteration in sensitivity to calcium.

[0766] (Dorman B H. et al.: Preservation of myocyte contractile function after hypothermic, hyperkalemic cardioplegic arrest with 2,3-butanedione monoxime. Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery 111 (3): 621-9, March 1996)

[0767] BDM affects the phosphorylation state of TnI and PLB not directly, but via activation of their phophotases.

[0768] (Zimmermann N. et al.: Mechanisms of the contractile effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime in the mammalian heart. Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology 354 (4): 431 -6, October 1996)

[0769] BDM produces reversible modification of the cardiac calcium channel protein leading to an expected reduction in amplitude of the expressed currents.

[0770] (Eisfeld J. et al.: Inhibition of cloned human L-type cardiac calcium channel by 2,3-butanedione monoxime does not require PKA-dependent phosphorylation sites. Biochemical & Biophysical Research Communications 230 (3): 489-92, January 1997)

[0771] BDM promotes voltage-dependent inactivation of L-type Ca²⁺ channels in parallel with charge interconversion between intramembranous charges 1 and 2. Mechanically they are consistent either with dephosphorylation or a dihydropyridine-like action in guinea pig heart.

[0772] (Ferreira G. et al.: Butanedione monoxime promotes voltage-dependent inactivation of L-type calcium channels in heart. Effects on gating currents. Journal of Molecular & Cellular Cardiology 29 (2): 777-87, February 1997)

[0773] BDM may act by stimulating Ca-induced Ca release.

[0774] (Adams W. et al.: 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) decreases sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca content by stimulating Ca release in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. European Journal of Physiology 436 (5): 776-81, October 1998)

[0775] BDM is effective in protecting the myocardium with ameliorated myocardial edema and atrioventricular conduction delay after reperfusion.

[0776] (Jayawant A M., Stephenson E R Jr., Damiano R J Jr.: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime cardioplegia: advantages over hyperkalemia in blood-perfused isolated hearts. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 67 (3): 618-23, March 1999)

[0777] BDM exerts negative inotropic activity by reducing the number of force-generating cross-bridges, possibly by increasing the cross-bridge detachment rate as well as by reducing force generation per cross-bridge in human myocardium.

[0778] (Brixius K., Schwinger R H.: Modulation of cross-bridge interaction by 2,3-butanedione monoxime in human ventricular myocardium. Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology. 361 (4): 440-4, April 2000)

[0779] 4) Vasodilation

[0780] BDM suppresses contraction of the portal vein mainly by the inhibition of voltage-dependent cytosolic Ca²⁺ transients. Also suppresses the force-enhancing effect of α1-adrenergic agents on the contractile elements.

[0781] (Watanabe M. et al.: Effect of 2,3-butanedione monoxime on smooth muscle contraction of guinea pig portal vein. European Journal of physiology 425 (5-6): 462-8, december 1993)

[0782] BDM can enhance preservation of coronary artery endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation during myocardial ischemia in the isolated rat heart.

[0783] (Cartier R. et al.: 2,3-Butanedione monoxime preserves coronary artery endothelium-dependent relaxation during myocardial ischemia in the isolated rat heart. Canadian Journal of Cardiology 11 (6): 505-10, June 1995)

[0784] Both the decreased coronary flow elicited by 0.5 nM ET-1 in isolated guinea pig hearts, and the constricted guinea pig vascular rings induced by 20 nM ET-1, may be restored by BDM.

[0785] (Stowe D F. et al.: Reversal of endothelin-induced vasoconstriction by endothelin-dependent and -independent vasodilators in isolated hearts and vascular rings. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 29 (6): 747-54, June 1997)

[0786] BDM may increase coronary flow but not increase NO release.

[0787] (Fujita S. et al.: Effects of vasodilators and perfusion pressure on coronary flow and simultaneous release of nitric oxide from guinea pig isolated hearts. Cardiovascular Research 38 (3): 655-67, June 1998)

[0788] The University of Wisconsin solution appears capable of lung preservation for up to 24 hours if modified to contain calcium and BDM. The mechanism of the BDM effect may be related to the suppression of smooth muscle contraction resulting in vasodilatation of the cold-stored lung on reperfusion.

[0789] (Lopukhin S Y. et al.: University of Wisconsin solution with butanedione monoxime and calcium improves rat lung preservation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 67 (1): 203-7, January 1999)

[0790] 5) Antagonism for cardiac sympathetic stimulation

[0791] Cardiac responses induced by sympathetic stimulation (9v, 6 Hz, 40 sec) may be blocked by BDM.

[0792] (Kudo T. et al.: Cardiac sympathetic stimulation increases cardiac contractility but decreases contractile efficiency in canine hearts in vivo. Japanese Circulation Journal 62 (12): 925-32, December 1998)

[0793] 6) Effect on other tissues

[0794] Acute BDM treatment produces a rapid, reversible block of K⁺ current with half block at about 5 mM. In contrast, preincubation of intact cells briefly in 5 mM BDM before measuring may reduce the K⁺ current in an irreversible manner in human T lymphocytes.

[0795] (Schlichter L C. et al.: Dual action of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) on K⁺ current in human T lymphocytes. Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics 261 (2): 438-46, May 1992)

ATTACHMENT (3) PREPARATION OF CHEMICALS

[0796] 1. 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) was purchased from Aldrich Company, and used without further purification, m.p., 76.8° C. HNMR, VAR 72, 2.0, 2.4, 8.9 in CDCl3; MS: 43 (100), 42 (20), 15 (11), 40 (9), 101 (7), 41 (7), 58 (4), 39 (4), 30 (4), 27 (4); IR: 3230, 3030, 2860, 1720, 1430, 1370, 1320, 1120, 1010, 980, 94, 790, 770;

[0797] 2. Other chemicals were prepared in our lab, and preparation methods and spectral data will be advised later.

ATTACHMENT (4)

[0798] Chinese Originals of the Study Reports Code for BDM tested Page Count 1. SPL-A (1) 3 2. SPL-A (2) 3 3. SPL-C 4 4. HT2 3 5. MT1 5 Total 18  

We claim the following items:
 1. Actin-myosin ATPase inhibitors, 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) and its isoforms, analogues, and homologous, including other pharmaceutical compositions possessing inhibition effect on actin-myosin ATPase, may be used as bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) for relaxing abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of smooth muscle and striated muscle (including myocardium and skeletal muscle) in human and animals.
 2. Pharmaceutical chemical structures of claim 1 wherein said the bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants), are shown as R1C(=NOH)COR2, where R1 and R2 are the same or different, and represent substitutes from group of alkyl- such as methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, the hydrocarbon chains R1, R2 have 1 to 8 linear or branched or ringed carbon atoms.
 3. The bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) of claim 1 wherein said are administered at a safe dosage, given alone with acceptable vehicle, or given as a component combined with any of current pharmaceutical compositions, medications, drugs, and therapies for diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction of muscle tissues, including all smooth muscles and striated muscles listed as below: a. Those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, spasm of trachea-bronchial tree smooth muscle, diaphragm muscle, such as various asthma, breathlessness, dyspnea, diaphragmatic convulsion, and so on. b. Those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, or spasm of vascular smooth muscle in systemic, coronary, pulmonary circulation, and micro-circulatory smooth muscle as well, such as systemic hypertension, malignant hypertension, hypertension crisis, symptomatic hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary infarction, angina pectoris, cardiac infarction, micro-circulation malfunction under shock condition, and infarction occurred in other location or organs of the human or animal body. c. Those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, spasm of gastro-intestine smooth muscle, including sphincters, such as gastric spasm, pylorospasm, and spasms of biliary tract, pancreatic tract, urinary tract, caused by inflammation, stimulation of stones or parasites and so on. d. Abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, spasm of other visceral organs such as uterus, Fallopian tube, and so on. e. Those diseases or symptoms related to abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, spasm of skeletal muscle, such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, painful spasm, fatigue spasm, and other muscle spasms caused by various pathogenesis, including tetanus, some infectious diseases, some neurological diseases, and toxic spasm, such as poisoning of organophosphorus, and so on. f. Abnormal increased muscle tone or excessive contraction, spasm of muscle tissues of other organs such as ophthalmospasm, facial muscle spasm, and so on. g. In addition, contraction of myocardium may also be modified by the bio-energy muscle relaxants when it is needed.
 4. The bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) of claim 1 wherein said are administered alone or as a component combined with any other effective pharmaceutical compositions, and in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier vehicles, such as aerosols, lotions, tablets, capsules, injections and other effective forms.
 5. The bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) of claim 4 wherein said are administered by inhalation, orally intake, topical use on mucous or skin tissues, and other parenteral ways, such as subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal or topical tissue infiltration injections, and so on.
 6. The bio-energy muscle relaxants (general muscle relaxants) of claim 1 may also be used in non-pharmaceutical purpose, such as used in cigarette filter-tips, in any safe, effective, and acceptable form, to relive some uncomfortable feelings due to smoking, that may be related to mild abnormal smooth muscle contraction of bronchials, or pulmonary, coronary, and systemic vasculatures. 